Howdy!

 

All things are indeed possible! If you told me a year or so ago that I would have my own blog, I would have said “What is a blog?” As one of the dear saints in my church relates “I’m a part of the pigeon carrier generation when it comes to technology.” I do see the great value, however, in this form of communication in regard to keeping folk in my church informed and hopefully in meeting new friends who share mutual concerns. So here goes my first effort as I go where I’ve never gone before………

 

A personal word about me……….

I am a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Minister of Word and Sacrament and am in my twenty-first year of serving the same wonderful congregation in Charlotte, NC. Without exaggeration I can say I absolutely love what God has given to me as a calling. My life revolves around this calling to serve Christ through His Church. Someone once asked me when I first knew I was so called, and my reply was “forever.” Indeed it seems as if God created me, personality and all, to be a servant in His Church.

 

Also, I am a true Southerner born in Tennessee and raised in Georgia (with a brief sojourn for college at Wheaton, near cold Chicago.) Accordingly, my favorite food: turnip greens – no kidding! Though a Southerner, a big portion of my current congregation hails from the North; and though I find their accents somewhat peculiar, I have found them to be great folk.

 

More about Albemarle Road Presbyterian Church:

            I can’t say enough good about this congregation! Though located in a dramatically changed area of Charlotte, it is a church not retreating, but moving forward into expanded ministry. The people here see themselves as stewards of a large and beautiful campus and facilities that are to be shared. At times we have up to three other congregations worshiping and serving from our campus. Worship and community ministry are very dear to the heart of this church. We are always praying for ways to deepen our worship experience and outreach ministries. ARPC is a congregation that for two decades now has enjoyed God’s gifts of unity and peace. These gifts enable us to focus our energy on ministry and avoid unnecessary quarreling. An amazing Weekday School, youth ministry, fellowship, and ongoing service contribute to the sense of wholeness we enjoy as a congregation. Throughout each day of the week the bells of our carillon ring out through our community proclaiming to all the Church of Jesus Christ is here at 6740 Albemarle Road. By the way – folk at this church laugh a lot! I have a suspicion that this laughter is also a gift from God.

 

Holy Moments from my Journey…….

            At times God breaks in so splendidly during our daily living. There are two so recent instances I find great joy in sharing.

 

·                    On inauguration day, Tuesday, January 20, I found myself in the Dunkin Donuts store across from our church during the ceremony. The staff of this store are all young black men and women. During the inauguration they all came out and sat with the customers and watched. The exhilaration on the faces of these young people moved me deeply. When Rev. Rick Warren gave the prayer of invocation during the inauguration and prayed in Jesus’ Name, everyone in the room applauded. For me it was a holy moment.

·                    Wednesday, January 21, found me sitting in Calvin Hall of the church enjoying a going-away party the older folk in this church gave me (the group’s name is SAINTS ALIVE!)  One of the group’s members gave a devotion on Jesus’ healing of the leper. As I sat there and listened to this dear brother in Christ, it was as if waves of mercy flowed over me. I was ministered unto as a pastor in a most profound way. The concluding prayer addressed to me personally was the 91^st Psalm. Again, it was a holy moment.

 

Why a Going Away Party?

            Beginning the first of February, 2009, I will be on sabbatical at Montreat and Columbia Theological Seminary (Atlanta). I will be focusing on three areas…

 

(1)   Personal physical and spiritual renewal

(2)   Study of the Presbyterian Global Fellowship

(3)   Worship Renewal

 

I am in my 30^th year of ministry and believe this sabbatical to be coming at a particularly appropriate time. Needless to say, I am looking forward to this four-month sabbatical and am deeply appreciative to the people of God at ARPC who have made it possible.

 

Well, this is my first attempt at a blog. I hope it doesn’t contain too many silly ramblings. But then again, I’m full of silly ramblings, so I’m being honest! Any thoughts, questions, or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

                        The Grace and Peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

 

                                                            Pastor Ron