tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342403672024-03-12T21:17:21.287-04:00Milo WilsonBe who you are... Know whose you are... Love; for actions speak clear... Go; the adventure is near!Milo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15599529652666688356noreply@blogger.comBlogger1420125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240367.post-8012794833997752172023-03-30T15:19:00.001-04:002023-03-30T15:19:48.593-04:00UPDATE: What's Happening At Renewal Church?<div dir="ltr"><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgETg2E1v00GGYYaTQucvoLcQtRRHErAZnpYZZomPXmEM2jaa7Np_59cEAHgFd6b_cwjqUz_cEqyjA3YYwH7e9MO2D6dagrYEoWEPQ4AJ38Smehvzu71PaRjivADn4V2jANpLZIdd05Ors7Y81LRHUwtY-csD9hkxj2cvA9gAaQxSllkJwdyw"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgETg2E1v00GGYYaTQucvoLcQtRRHErAZnpYZZomPXmEM2jaa7Np_59cEAHgFd6b_cwjqUz_cEqyjA3YYwH7e9MO2D6dagrYEoWEPQ4AJ38Smehvzu71PaRjivADn4V2jANpLZIdd05Ors7Y81LRHUwtY-csD9hkxj2cvA9gAaQxSllkJwdyw=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7216421186632076338" /></a><br></div><div><br></div><div>Ten years ago, in May of 2013, we had the wonderful opportunity to plant a church in the North Tonawanda community in Niagara County, NY. It was a journey that taught me more than I ever expected it to and a process that grew me in my faith in Christ, restored me in my hope in the local church, and awakened me from the inside out for loving those in the community surrounding our church building. The church we planted came to be called Renewal Church. And now, after a decade of ministry, the tough decision has been made, that Easter Sunday 2023 will be its final service. <br><br>Looking back across the last decade, there are so many people… so many lives that have been affected by the ministry there on Meadow Drive. We are so grateful for what God has done to send out so many young men and women from this assembly of faith over the years. Some went to pursue seminary degrees, some went to get married and move to new employment opportunities, and others continue to meaningfully serve in companion communities of faith here in WNY. The church was viable and strong for many years, but the financial implications of a large facility and a small congregation following the Covid-19 pandemic eventually became too much to bear.<br><br>Renewal Church as we know it, will close its doors following the Easter service, but many of the remaining congregants will be uniting with iHope Community Church, another church of like faith there in North Tonawanda. Matt Richbart and the iHope Church leadership are committed to receiving well and caring well for the people that make up Renewal. The church is not a building. The church is a congregation, the people of God, the flock of Christ. Throughout a good portion of the New Testament, the Apostle Peter and the Apostle Paul were always reminding early church leaders of the utmost importance of their role in caring for the sheep. We are so grateful that this was a priority for the transition team, and that they made arrangements for how to prioritize caring for the flock.<br><br>The Renewal Church facilities and all the physical assets located there on Meadow Drive will be given over to the Frontier Baptist Association to determine next steps. An Administrative Team of Baptist pastors from various locations in WNY will serve alongside Mike Flannery, the Associational Missionary responsible for the FBA, in expediting a series of choices regarding the future of the facility. The goal of the FBA will be to steward the resources well, both for the sake of church planting in WNY and for advancing the Kingdom of God through the people of God.<br><br>Please be in prayer with us for this transition. While there is some irony in writing the words "Renewal will be closing on Easter Sunday," let us not be fixated on the dreams we may have had for how exactly God might work in a region. God's ways are not our ways. Clearly, the first Easter, Resurrection Sunday, was all about the unexpected ways God chooses to interact with the world He spoke into existence. Pray with me that God will do something unexpected with what we offer Him. Pray with me that whatever we see here withering away from the church that planted a decade ago would give way to something new that Jesus would do even more with, all to the Glory of God!<br><br>Praise God from whom all blessings flow! <br></div><div><br></div><div>- Pastor Milo</div><div>_________________________________________________</div></div> Milo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15599529652666688356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240367.post-35730625968723232942022-09-07T15:37:00.000-04:002022-09-07T15:37:01.070-04:0006. The 144,000 [Revelation 7:1-8] Milo Wilson 07.04.21 #Revelation<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="2048" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNgjOolUpwmOYbnUUbWk_OObP15RJ4Mt6TCkdwt1ltEy91v4GlxeCyHmMAFfWHypEyozUbeRA_JOGB_JmySTc9S9D-1Zee5XnizvObmudocEphs0UHXfDB1nXxT7RX8TcrRJlkGvWbVVTr17wP1muL8-FEmmtb_DWrjgHbcvrYCw-1FA5-w/s1129/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-07%20at%2011.35.59%20AM.png" width="320" /></div><p><span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>06. The 144,000 [Revelation 7:1-8] Milo Wilson 07.04.21 #Revelation</b></span><b style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </b></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Much time has been given to who is on this list. But have we focused on who the list points to?</span></p><div><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">[<a href="https://www.facebook.com/randallchurch/videos/972280270189961/">FB-LIVE</a>] [<a href="https://soundcloud.com/randall-church-907119712/06-revelation-7421-the-144000-revelation-71-8-milo-wilson?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing">SoundCloud</a>] [<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j4L5o1AUINxQDzkl6XDeHgOg2JsxQqqk/view?usp=sharing">SERMON</a>] [<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tTjP2aHHQHtUA1Z5AOe1TW-_lvxIWcFo/view?usp=sharing">SLIDES</a>] [<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/mw/podcast/06-revelation-7-4-21-the-144-000-revelation-7-1-8-milo-wilson/id1076986135?i=1000531558651">ApplePodcast</a>] [<a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Religion--Spirituality-Podcasts/Randall-Church-Podcast-p1307223/?topicId=141644965">AmazonTuneIn</a>]</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span face=""PT Sans Narrow", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">___________________________________________</span></p><p></p></div>Milo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15599529652666688356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240367.post-80960032717865494062022-09-07T15:25:00.001-04:002022-09-07T15:32:36.154-04:0005. The Wrath of The Lamb [Revelation 6:9-17] Milo Wilson 06.27.21 #Revelation<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="2048" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNgjOolUpwmOYbnUUbWk_OObP15RJ4Mt6TCkdwt1ltEy91v4GlxeCyHmMAFfWHypEyozUbeRA_JOGB_JmySTc9S9D-1Zee5XnizvObmudocEphs0UHXfDB1nXxT7RX8TcrRJlkGvWbVVTr17wP1muL8-FEmmtb_DWrjgHbcvrYCw-1FA5-w/s1129/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-07%20at%2011.35.59%20AM.png" width="320" /></div><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>05. The Wrath of The Lamb [Revelation 6:9-17] Milo Wilson 06.27.21 #Revelation </b></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The beginning of the end is the end of the beginning. Jesus made it all, then Jesus paid it all. </span></p><div><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">[<a href="https://www.facebook.com/randallchurch/videos/1044707483025084/">FB-LIVE</a>] [<a href="https://soundcloud.com/randall-church-907119712/05-revelation-62721-the-wrath-of-the-lamb-revelation-69-17-milo-wilson?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing">SoundCloud</a>] [<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BBYZHI6TzdLAdp4hV2L94cTXsJnJmaXg/view?usp=sharing">SERMON</a>] [<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xzjCE8_VVATCC1oH5evyty3jq8fFrEi3/view?usp=sharing">SLIDES</a>] [<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/mw/podcast/05-revelation-6-27-21-the-wrath-of-the-lamb-revelation/id1076986135?i=1000531558650">ApplePodcast</a>] [<a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Religion--Spirituality-Podcasts/Randall-Church-Podcast-p1307223/?topicId=141644965">AmazonTuneIn</a>]</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span face=""PT Sans Narrow", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">___________________________________________</span></p><p></p></div>Milo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15599529652666688356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240367.post-91818036083676255302022-09-07T11:56:00.003-04:002022-09-07T15:32:17.753-04:0004. The Four Horseman [Revelation 6:1-8] Milo Wilson 06.20.21 #Revelation<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="2048" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNgjOolUpwmOYbnUUbWk_OObP15RJ4Mt6TCkdwt1ltEy91v4GlxeCyHmMAFfWHypEyozUbeRA_JOGB_JmySTc9S9D-1Zee5XnizvObmudocEphs0UHXfDB1nXxT7RX8TcrRJlkGvWbVVTr17wP1muL8-FEmmtb_DWrjgHbcvrYCw-1FA5-w/s1129/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-07%20at%2011.35.59%20AM.png" width="320" /></div><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>04. The Four Horseman [Revelation 6:1-8] Milo Wilson 06.20.21 #Revelation </b></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Their hoofbeats have pounded on hearts for generations. Where is the refuge from their terror?</span></p><div><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">[<a href="https://www.facebook.com/randallchurch/videos/233515011631977/">FB-LIVE</a>] [<a href="https://soundcloud.com/randall-church-907119712/04-revelation-62021-the-four-horsemen-revelation-61-8-milo-wilson?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing">SoundCloud</a>] [<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D93_HyYIl6N9o04FCYE4BnO04x1bRyo7/view?usp=sharing">SERMON</a>] [<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L-5DkyUF0mS9b8IJkJ4AdhXHKxnx6SaG/view?usp=sharing">SLIDES</a>] [<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/mw/podcast/04-revelation-6-20-21-the-four-horsemen-revelation-6/id1076986135?i=1000526280837">ApplePodcast</a>] [<a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Religion--Spirituality-Podcasts/Randall-Church-Podcast-p1307223/?topicId=141644965">AmazonTuneIn</a>]</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span face=""PT Sans Narrow", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">___________________________________________</span></p><p></p></div>Milo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15599529652666688356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240367.post-59682316687634325032022-09-07T11:52:00.001-04:002022-09-07T15:31:53.567-04:0003. The Breakthrough [Revelation 5] Milo Wilson 06.13.21 #Revelation<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="2048" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNgjOolUpwmOYbnUUbWk_OObP15RJ4Mt6TCkdwt1ltEy91v4GlxeCyHmMAFfWHypEyozUbeRA_JOGB_JmySTc9S9D-1Zee5XnizvObmudocEphs0UHXfDB1nXxT7RX8TcrRJlkGvWbVVTr17wP1muL8-FEmmtb_DWrjgHbcvrYCw-1FA5-w/s1129/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-07%20at%2011.35.59%20AM.png" width="320" /></div><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>03. The Breakthrough [Revelation 5] Milo Wilson 06.13.21 #Revelation </b></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There is only one who is worthy to open the scroll. The Lion IS the Lamb!</span></p><div><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">[<a href="https://www.facebook.com/randallchurch/videos/1490688064610960/">FB-LIVE</a>] [<a href="https://soundcloud.com/randall-church-907119712/03-revelation-61321-the-breakthrough-revelation-5-milo-wilson?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing">SoundCloud</a>] [<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xMylqC_SN2JF8goXa-ijPnYVnOyL-VxT/view?usp=sharing">SERMON</a>] [<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T1lQfsiuJIyf__0pSaU-H2_NKc1HEGSw/view?usp=sharing">SLIDES</a>] [<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/mw/podcast/03-revelation-6-13-21-the-breakthrough-revelation-5/id1076986135?i=1000526280838">ApplePodcast</a>] [<a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Religion--Spirituality-Podcasts/Randall-Church-Podcast-p1307223/?topicId=141644965">AmazonTuneIn</a>]</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span face=""PT Sans Narrow", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">___________________________________________</span></p><p></p></div>Milo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15599529652666688356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240367.post-75461968534473651162022-09-07T11:47:00.008-04:002022-09-07T15:30:58.736-04:0002. The Throne of Heaven [Revelation 4] Milo Wilson 06.06.21 #Revelation<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="2048" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNgjOolUpwmOYbnUUbWk_OObP15RJ4Mt6TCkdwt1ltEy91v4GlxeCyHmMAFfWHypEyozUbeRA_JOGB_JmySTc9S9D-1Zee5XnizvObmudocEphs0UHXfDB1nXxT7RX8TcrRJlkGvWbVVTr17wP1muL8-FEmmtb_DWrjgHbcvrYCw-1FA5-w/s1129/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-07%20at%2011.35.59%20AM.png" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>02. The Throne of Heaven [Revelation 4] Milo Wilson 06.06.21 #Revelation </b></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Open your eyes to the most important being in the universe. Behold our God! </span></div><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">[</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/randallchurch/videos/347525620043435/" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">FB-LIVE</a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">] [</span><a href="https://soundcloud.com/randall-church-907119712/02-revelation-662021-the-throne-of-heaven-revelation-4-milo-wilson?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">SoundCloud</a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">] [</span><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LFu-J63HRBYrfgm8L2IBwYPA5qbXnVX8/view?usp=sharing" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">SERMON</a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">] [</span><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V5MoNPUTRBeCz8So7i-1wKXlpBLcZPhE/view?usp=sharing" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">SLIDES</a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">] [</span><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/mw/podcast/02-revelation-6-6-2021-the-throne-of-heaven-revelation/id1076986135?i=1000524522837" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">ApplePodcast</a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">] [</span><a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Religion--Spirituality-Podcasts/Randall-Church-Podcast-p1307223/?topicId=141644965" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">AmazonTuneIn</a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">]</span></p><div><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span face=""PT Sans Narrow", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">___________________________________________</span></p><p></p></div>Milo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15599529652666688356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240367.post-70213250894514505992022-09-07T11:42:00.002-04:002022-09-07T15:31:21.268-04:0001. Introduction: The Cupcake [Revelation 1-3] Bryan Long 05.30.21#Revelation<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="2048" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNgjOolUpwmOYbnUUbWk_OObP15RJ4Mt6TCkdwt1ltEy91v4GlxeCyHmMAFfWHypEyozUbeRA_JOGB_JmySTc9S9D-1Zee5XnizvObmudocEphs0UHXfDB1nXxT7RX8TcrRJlkGvWbVVTr17wP1muL8-FEmmtb_DWrjgHbcvrYCw-1FA5-w/s1129/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-07%20at%2011.35.59%20AM.png" width="320" /></div><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>01. Introduction: The Cupcake [Revelation 1-3] Bryan Long 05.30.21#Revelation </b></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A faithful approach begins by looking to the past, which guides us in the present, as we hope for the future.</span></p><div><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">[FB-LIVE] [<a href="https://soundcloud.com/randall-church-907119712/01-revelation-5302021-the-cupcake-revelation-11-6-bryan-long?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing">SoundCloud</a>] [SERMON] [<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1elgQnoq4l55Ix12Hk3Pj6TWGRRP9CL7d/view?usp=sharing">SLIDES</a>] [<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/mw/podcast/01-revelation-5-30-2021-the-cupcake-revelation-1-1-6/id1076986135?i=1000523788601">ApplePodcast</a>] [<a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Religion--Spirituality-Podcasts/Randall-Church-Podcast-p1307223/?topicId=141644965">AmazonTuneIn</a>]</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span face=""PT Sans Narrow", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">___________________________________________</span></p><p></p></div>Milo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15599529652666688356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240367.post-34350010545346318742022-09-07T10:15:00.001-04:002022-09-07T10:16:28.252-04:00Sermon Series: TheChurchDefined<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="2048" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTKtYu8j5qIrZmIjS_JzuW3-aC1I6IaKKC-QYTQKsN5SQ5VpfEYHQr90kRsCD9sr1KaZY6eKrwTKgpTWz02c1xdvZDKOcjHECIj7xC4oyXIVXLMo7MhBhDSr1JjeRw3YRicsVUeAcin8DO3jmMylpzgLgnvQGh9sZPDR7fPOnRKC3c5slMQ/s320/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-07%20at%208.35.46%20AM.png" width="320" /></div><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Sermon Series: #TheChurchDefined</b></span></p><div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span face=""PT Sans Narrow", sans-serif" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">COVID-19 has forced the Church to do things differently and in the process has established new patterns and questions about its identity. Now we are calling people to “come back” to church again. What does that mean? Join us as we understand a biblical ecclesiology that seeks to define what the Church is meant to be.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">[<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/10u_CUEioLLn2j5eFFmcGYyUroTpEHKxO/view?usp=sharing">Web Slider Artwork</a>] [<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UgnI5xethwqAbJr53waHZTZCSgvy6rCG/view?usp=sharing">Bumper Video</a>] [<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MSIlKVL__3upL9D27QWBZeDf4kKHs_er/view?usp=sharing">Sermon Background Slide</a>]</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span face=""PT Sans Narrow", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">___________________________________________</span></p><p></p></div>Milo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15599529652666688356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240367.post-64275906181199169292022-09-07T10:06:00.001-04:002022-09-07T10:17:52.994-04:0007. The Church DNA: Putting It All Together [1 John 1:1-7] Milo Wilson 05.23.21<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="2048" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTKtYu8j5qIrZmIjS_JzuW3-aC1I6IaKKC-QYTQKsN5SQ5VpfEYHQr90kRsCD9sr1KaZY6eKrwTKgpTWz02c1xdvZDKOcjHECIj7xC4oyXIVXLMo7MhBhDSr1JjeRw3YRicsVUeAcin8DO3jmMylpzgLgnvQGh9sZPDR7fPOnRKC3c5slMQ/s320/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-07%20at%208.35.46%20AM.png" width="320" /></div><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>07. The Church DNA: Putting It All Together [1 John 1:1-7] Milo Wilson 05.23.21 #</b></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>TheChurchDefined</b></span></p><div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span face=""PT Sans Narrow", sans-serif" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The DNA of the Church is to be Loving God MORE, Loving people MORE, and Loving MORE people.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">[<a href="https://www.facebook.com/randallchurch/videos/2989882074673023/">FB-LIVE</a>] [SoundCloud] [<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YCaB0yUGzt6FG-Oz9ZGMH6GkJAWcbBsL/view?usp=sharing">SERMON</a>] [<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kYbaaBtFmNQf6VjoZQVfJHfQKSVSd9ja/view?usp=sharing">SLIDES</a>] [ApplePodcast] [<a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Religion--Spirituality-Podcasts/Randall-Church-Podcast-p1307223/?topicId=141644965">AmazonTuneIn</a>]</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span face=""PT Sans Narrow", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">___________________________________________</span></p><p></p></div>Milo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15599529652666688356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240367.post-28744318109075903792022-09-07T09:44:00.002-04:002022-09-07T09:44:50.531-04:0006. Stories & Symbols [Col 2:12-14; 1 Cor 11:23-26] Milo Wilson 05.16.21 #TheChurchDefined<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="2048" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTKtYu8j5qIrZmIjS_JzuW3-aC1I6IaKKC-QYTQKsN5SQ5VpfEYHQr90kRsCD9sr1KaZY6eKrwTKgpTWz02c1xdvZDKOcjHECIj7xC4oyXIVXLMo7MhBhDSr1JjeRw3YRicsVUeAcin8DO3jmMylpzgLgnvQGh9sZPDR7fPOnRKC3c5slMQ/s320/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-07%20at%208.35.46%20AM.png" width="320" /></div><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>06. Stories & Symbols [Col 2:12-14; 1 Cor 11:23-26] Milo Wilson 05.16.21 #TheChurchDefined</b></span></p><div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span face=""PT Sans Narrow", sans-serif" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A defining mark of the Church is the OUTWARD identity markers of baptism and communion. We tell stories.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">[<a href="https://www.facebook.com/randallchurch/videos/169580988416419/">FB-LIVE</a>] [<a href="https://soundcloud.com/randall-church-907119712/06-the-church-defined-51621-stories-symbols-col-212-14-1-cor-1123-26-milo-wilson?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing">SoundCloud</a>] [<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jcZKoIDu6__IWGXXOPfPC5j-kTTWo_lr/view?usp=sharing">SERMON</a>] [<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NV-AKyEEEyvgx0Mc-2Ss10I9AdAc1qv1/view?usp=sharing">SLIDES</a>] [<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/mw/podcast/06-the-church-defined-5-16-21-stories-symbols-col-2/id1076986135?i=1000522024605">ApplePodcast</a>] [<a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Religion--Spirituality-Podcasts/Randall-Church-Podcast-p1307223/?topicId=141644965">AmazonTuneIn</a>]</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span face=""PT Sans Narrow", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">___________________________________________</span></p><p></p></div>Milo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15599529652666688356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240367.post-30031619789137630932022-09-07T09:35:00.001-04:002022-09-07T09:35:18.045-04:0005. Make Disciples [Matthew 28:16-20] Mario Delgado 05.09.21 #TheChurchDefined<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="2048" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTKtYu8j5qIrZmIjS_JzuW3-aC1I6IaKKC-QYTQKsN5SQ5VpfEYHQr90kRsCD9sr1KaZY6eKrwTKgpTWz02c1xdvZDKOcjHECIj7xC4oyXIVXLMo7MhBhDSr1JjeRw3YRicsVUeAcin8DO3jmMylpzgLgnvQGh9sZPDR7fPOnRKC3c5slMQ/s320/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-07%20at%208.35.46%20AM.png" width="320" /></div><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>05. Make Disciples [Matthew 28:16-20] Mario Delgado 05.09.21 #TheChurchDefined</b></span></p><div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span face=""PT Sans Narrow", sans-serif" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A defining mark of the Church is the mission OUTWARD. We draw circles. We make disciples. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">[<a href="https://www.facebook.com/randallchurch/videos/310006664171708/">FB-LIVE</a>] [<a href="https://soundcloud.com/randall-church-907119712/05-the-church-defined-5921-making-disciples-matthew-2816-20-mario-delgado?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing">SoundCloud</a>] [SERMON] [SLIDES] [<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/mw/podcast/05-the-church-defined-5-9-21-making-disciples-matthew/id1076986135?i=1000521021536">ApplePodcast</a>] [<a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Religion--Spirituality-Podcasts/Randall-Church-Podcast-p1307223/?topicId=141644965">AmazonTuneIn</a>]</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span face=""PT Sans Narrow", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">___________________________________________</span></p><p></p></div>Milo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15599529652666688356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240367.post-5826920918458501402022-09-07T09:30:00.000-04:002022-09-07T09:30:25.041-04:0004. Biblical Leadership [Titus 1:5-16, 1 Timothy 3:1-12] Milo Wilson 05.02.21 #TheChurchDefined<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="2048" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTKtYu8j5qIrZmIjS_JzuW3-aC1I6IaKKC-QYTQKsN5SQ5VpfEYHQr90kRsCD9sr1KaZY6eKrwTKgpTWz02c1xdvZDKOcjHECIj7xC4oyXIVXLMo7MhBhDSr1JjeRw3YRicsVUeAcin8DO3jmMylpzgLgnvQGh9sZPDR7fPOnRKC3c5slMQ/s320/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-07%20at%208.35.46%20AM.png" width="320" /></div><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>04. Biblical Leadership [Titus 1:5-16, 1 Timothy 3:1-12] Milo Wilson 05.02.21 #TheChurchDefined</b></span></p><div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span face=""PT Sans Narrow", sans-serif" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A defining mark of the Church is the INWARD submission to biblical leaders. We mobilize leadership.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">[<a href="https://www.facebook.com/randallchurch/videos/817482505843207/">FB-LIVE</a>] [<a href="https://soundcloud.com/randall-church-907119712/04-the-church-defined-5221-biblical-leadership-titus-15-16-1-timothy-31-12-milo-wilson?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing">SoundCloud</a>] [<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/12N_xZhtAr2euyCH0-62nz8VBSo9arFlB/view?usp=sharing">SERMON</a>] [<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xCszoRGm45vygAOpyOfGRw_6woZrfRzC/view?usp=sharing">SLIDES</a>] [<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/mw/podcast/04-the-church-defined-5-2-21-biblical-leadership/id1076986135?i=1000519879426">ApplePodcast</a>] [<a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Religion--Spirituality-Podcasts/Randall-Church-Podcast-p1307223/?topicId=141644965">AmazonTuneIn</a>]</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span face=""PT Sans Narrow", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">___________________________________________</span></p><p></p></div>Milo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15599529652666688356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240367.post-8475425099248354672022-09-07T09:25:00.001-04:002022-09-07T09:25:52.868-04:0003. Covenant Community [Hebrews 10:23-25] Bryan Long 04.25.21 #TheChurchDefined<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="2048" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTKtYu8j5qIrZmIjS_JzuW3-aC1I6IaKKC-QYTQKsN5SQ5VpfEYHQr90kRsCD9sr1KaZY6eKrwTKgpTWz02c1xdvZDKOcjHECIj7xC4oyXIVXLMo7MhBhDSr1JjeRw3YRicsVUeAcin8DO3jmMylpzgLgnvQGh9sZPDR7fPOnRKC3c5slMQ/s320/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-07%20at%208.35.46%20AM.png" width="320" /></div><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>03. Covenant Community [Hebrews 10:23-25] Bryan Long 04.25.21 #TheChurchDefined</b></span></p><div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span face=""PT Sans Narrow", sans-serif" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A defining mark of the Church is the INWARD membership in a covenant community. We prioritize relationships.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">[<a href="https://www.facebook.com/randallchurch/videos/299189115065503/">FB-LIVE</a>] [<a href="https://soundcloud.com/randall-church-907119712/03-the-church-defined-42521-covenant-community-ephesians-211-13-19-22-bryan-long?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing">SoundCloud</a>] [SERMON] [<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VPg5NGw1t1sFVvvs77f7pVd5KsmmuYs6/view?usp=sharing">SLIDES</a>] [<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/mw/podcast/03-the-church-defined-4-25-21-covenant-community/id1076986135?i=1000518689406">ApplePodcast</a>] [<a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Religion--Spirituality-Podcasts/Randall-Church-Podcast-p1307223/?topicId=141644965">AmazonTuneIn</a>]</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span face=""PT Sans Narrow", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">___________________________________________</span></p><p></p></div>Milo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15599529652666688356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240367.post-58620718849436213512022-09-07T09:21:00.001-04:002022-09-07T09:21:14.013-04:0002. Gathered Worship [2 Timothy 3:10-17; Ephesians 5:15-20] Milo Wilson 04.18.21 #TheChurchDefined<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="2048" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTKtYu8j5qIrZmIjS_JzuW3-aC1I6IaKKC-QYTQKsN5SQ5VpfEYHQr90kRsCD9sr1KaZY6eKrwTKgpTWz02c1xdvZDKOcjHECIj7xC4oyXIVXLMo7MhBhDSr1JjeRw3YRicsVUeAcin8DO3jmMylpzgLgnvQGh9sZPDR7fPOnRKC3c5slMQ/s320/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-07%20at%208.35.46%20AM.png" width="320" /></div><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>02. Gathered Worship [2 Timothy 3:10-17; Ephesians 5:15-20] Milo Wilson 04.18.21 #TheChurchDefined</b></span></p><div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span face=""PT Sans Narrow", sans-serif" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A defining mark of the Church is the UPWARD formation of public worship. We cultivate fruitfulness.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">[<a href="https://www.facebook.com/randallchurch/videos/272557581138093/">FB-LIVE</a>] [<a href="https://soundcloud.com/randall-church-907119712/02-the-church-41821-gathered-worship-hebrews-1019-25-ephesians-515-20-milo-wilson?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing">SoundCloud</a>] [<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FastGkhKgadiLGfL1IzmMK_nu5BrZYre/view?usp=sharing">SERMON</a>] [<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x_xivOUfJyYKwkjxsRgfu8lV-V0CsF9f/view?usp=sharing">SLIDES</a>] [<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/mw/podcast/02-the-church-defined-4-18-21-gathered-worship/id1076986135?i=1000517764719">ApplePodcast</a>] [<a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Religion--Spirituality-Podcasts/Randall-Church-Podcast-p1307223/?topicId=141644965">AmazonTuneIn</a>]</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span face=""PT Sans Narrow", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">___________________________________________</span></p><p></p></div>Milo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15599529652666688356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240367.post-35266097798505920662022-09-07T08:56:00.001-04:002022-09-07T08:57:53.502-04:0001. Scriptural Authority [1 Thess 2:13-16; 1 Tim 3:15] Bryan Long 04.11.21 #TheChurchDefined<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="2048" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTKtYu8j5qIrZmIjS_JzuW3-aC1I6IaKKC-QYTQKsN5SQ5VpfEYHQr90kRsCD9sr1KaZY6eKrwTKgpTWz02c1xdvZDKOcjHECIj7xC4oyXIVXLMo7MhBhDSr1JjeRw3YRicsVUeAcin8DO3jmMylpzgLgnvQGh9sZPDR7fPOnRKC3c5slMQ/s320/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-07%20at%208.35.46%20AM.png" width="320" /></div><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>01. Scriptural Authority [1 Thess 2:13-16; 1 Tim 3:15] Bryan Long 04.11.21 #TheChurchDefined</b></span></p><div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span face=""PT Sans Narrow", sans-serif" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A defining mark of the Church is the UPWARD commitment to scriptural authority. We celebrate faithfulness.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">[<a href="https://www.facebook.com/randallchurch/videos/1080441405774130/">FB-LIVE</a>] [<a href="https://soundcloud.com/randall-church-907119712/01-the-church-defined-41121-scriptural-authority-1-timothy-315-bryan-long?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing">SoundCloud</a>] [SERMON] [<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PGgpfxLwCpUC18J6LZIr9G5CYtj4klbE/view?usp=sharing">SLIDES</a>] [<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/mw/podcast/01-the-church-defined-4-11-21-scriptural-authority-1/id1076986135?i=1000516822049">ApplePodcast</a>] [<a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Religion--Spirituality-Podcasts/Randall-Church-Podcast-p1307223/?topicId=141644965">AmazonTuneIn</a>]</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span face=""PT Sans Narrow", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">___________________________________________</span></p><p></p></div>Milo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15599529652666688356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240367.post-54632438498774269292022-06-06T17:03:00.001-04:002022-09-07T08:29:25.113-04:00Churches respond, serve community after tragic Buffalo shooting<div dir="ltr"><div dir="auto"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr">I am so proud of our brothers and sisters in the Frontier Baptist Association and for the ways we were able to respond over the last month to the tragedy here in Buffalo. This is an article that was published by the Alabama Baptist Convention.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><b>Churches respond, serve community after tragic Buffalo shooting</b><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdu8yPGtE5pYRxlidk9XdsxPenHZLAsJPQzui9dtO3rPsng_SFcPyTCehe6S_1VVMZZONRjqlAoUYEdYsIpNnf1Bw2jWKLa-_q5lv7ziVeZflEYe7Vihf_c1DkmLvGxXDoPwgjNYkSLGoNxNiDedo_xjSb4I5GvhRNeaqxw6J6tuCmB1vyA/s1536/TBP-New-York-churches-serve-shooting-victims-ls-e1654021337568-1536x864.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1536" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdu8yPGtE5pYRxlidk9XdsxPenHZLAsJPQzui9dtO3rPsng_SFcPyTCehe6S_1VVMZZONRjqlAoUYEdYsIpNnf1Bw2jWKLa-_q5lv7ziVeZflEYe7Vihf_c1DkmLvGxXDoPwgjNYkSLGoNxNiDedo_xjSb4I5GvhRNeaqxw6J6tuCmB1vyA/w640-h360/TBP-New-York-churches-serve-shooting-victims-ls-e1654021337568-1536x864.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div dir="ltr"><br /><div>On May 14, a shooting at Tops supermarket in Buffalo, New York — that investigators have called a racially motivated hate crime targeting African Americans — left 10 dead and three others injured. Since that tragic day, the massacre has brought believers together across racial, generational, socio-economic and denominational lines to mourn the victims and love their neighbors in Jesus' name.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Delivering help</b></div><div>As a result of some inner-city stores closing due to copycat threats, Michael Flannery — director of missions for Frontier Baptist Association — worked to deliver food in partnership with Mark Hamiblton, pastor and elder of Faithful Stones Church, an evangelical congregation near the crime scene.</div><div><br /></div><div>"This event has struck all of us in the deepest senses of the word of grief as we see what took place," Flannery lamented. "We need prayer relating to going forward and meeting the needs," he said, "but also to have a period of peace and serenity that takes place through the grieving process here in Buffalo."</div><div><br /></div><div>The Baptist Convention of New York, The National African American Fellowship of the Southern Baptist Convention and Frontier Baptist Association leaders joined SBC Executive Committee interim president Willie McLaurin and local pastors as they prayed via Zoom. Those who gathered prayed for wisdom and unity among believers and for peace, safety, healing, hope and comfort for victims' families and the Buffalo community.</div><div><br /></div><div>Eric Napoli, church planter at Sheridan Parkside Community Church in Tonawanda and co-pastor of Amherst Baptist Church in Buffalo, partnered with Pastor Hamilton at The Community Peace Market to provide fresh food, an evangelical message and fellowship on a corner a short distance from the shooting site on Jefferson Avenue.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sheridan Parkside and Faithful Stones members also partnered to host "We Love You Jefferson Avenue" unity festivals featuring a barbeque dinner, games, a declaration of the gospel message and individual prayer and fellowship.</div><div><br /></div><div>"[Faithful Stones] is right there in the middle of this and people are stimulated right now to hear the good news," Napoli declared."The gospel is the center point," he said. "Our model is to build unity within the community, to give dignity, value and joy-filled life to people and in doing so, to show people that we are a united force."</div><div><br /></div><div>Some attempted to promote hatred after the shooting, Napoli noted, but his close relationship with Hamilton illustrates unity within the Body of Christ."Every time I walk into that parking lot or that church it's a sweet time of relationships," Napoli said. "We need to be stimulating relationships for all these churches that are outside the city to connect inside the city."</div><div><br /></div><div><b>New opportunities</b></div><div>William "Bill" Smith, lead pastor of North Buffalo Community Church, said outreach events have motivated some of his members to step outside their comfort zone for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began limiting in-person gatherings. "We're all just going to go in and give what God would allow us to give so we can connect," Smith said.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ministry efforts are focused on engaging the Body of Christ, at whatever level individuals are comfortable, Napoli noted. "We all need to be sharing the gospel," said. "My heart has been so broken in this past week or so. I've had so many more opportunities to pray with people and to share with people and to love people in an on-the-spot kind of counseling type of situation than I have for a long time."</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Prayer requests</b></div><div>Believers can pray for churches involved in ministry efforts, Michael Flannery suggested — that they not move on to the "next thing" too quickly, but instead have wisdom for meeting long-term needs. Rev. Smith added, "Pray that our eyes would be open, that we would position ourselves in a way where we're not hunkered down inside of our comfort zone, but that God would [motivate us] to get busy doing the things that we've been called to do."</div><div><br /></div><div>Terry Robertson, Baptist Convention of New York executive director-treasurer, requested prayer for ministry families impacted by the shooting."God has empowered them to deal with this situation," Robertson acknowledged. "[But] there are elements of what is going on in the spiritual battle in Buffalo right now that they're not going to be over for years to come."<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>_______________________________</div><div><br /></div></div> </div></div></div> Milo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15599529652666688356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240367.post-67024430304437038112022-06-02T17:50:00.001-04:002022-06-02T18:36:32.887-04:00Reaching The Family Minister Finish Line<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglN7Q3L4Qf-5T6cGHwHE2t4HYpTK09u0OUq7vORNRJzfMgX5-SO5IDPJEmaKwV6YpXqVhp7C01yS-1ZK0Bq1OiugpdeBSBodkrZDHtKfIfs32MzbB8VBjMsO3he4kW-u-Jys5J9zV2jaz_siLyQ6zchxlGNZVccCojj7uMwWF1VQT5SWv6pw"><img border="0" height="414" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7104763364102243506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglN7Q3L4Qf-5T6cGHwHE2t4HYpTK09u0OUq7vORNRJzfMgX5-SO5IDPJEmaKwV6YpXqVhp7C01yS-1ZK0Bq1OiugpdeBSBodkrZDHtKfIfs32MzbB8VBjMsO3he4kW-u-Jys5J9zV2jaz_siLyQ6zchxlGNZVccCojj7uMwWF1VQT5SWv6pw=w640-h414" width="640" /></a></p><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Hello Randall Family and Friends!</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">We are thrilled to report to you that we have successfully hired a new Family Minister for Randall Church! He comes highly recommended from several trusted leaders in our area, of whom have told us they would hire him again in a heartbeat. Our Randall Church elders, pastors, and search team have been thumbs up all along the way during our extensive interview process.</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">We are not yet giving his name, but we would love for you to pencil us into your calendars for <span dir="ltr">6pm Sunday evening</span>, June 19th where you will all be able to come and meet him, his wife, and his 3 year old son. This will be part of a fun evening of fellowship together in the parking lot, where we get to celebrate our church’s 2022 graduates with a graduate parade, as well as the leader who will shepherd the next generation here at Randall for many years to come. </span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Thank you so much for your prayer support for us during this tiring season. God remains faithful to His promise to supply our needs according to His will. After 15 months, after 3 rounds of candidates, after piles of paperwork, and after hours and hours of interviews… God has provided His candidate for our congregation here in Williamsville, NY.</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Praise be to God for His indescribable gift!</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">- Pastor Milo </span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">__________________________________</span></div>Milo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15599529652666688356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240367.post-48214695345786069742022-05-26T10:26:00.000-04:002022-05-26T10:30:23.748-04:00Suffering<div dir="ltr"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQgwx25nsvuoM1mjoAJF9uaFdvj3OFwOGpECrFqNZ6NaqtB7Om7ZHoXFteSozOmRj6f3QmykiZDnipRPbJehLJipmYBQJHZsGLMnrewp8EMYBIyDmZzfJXD9OLip_DV1iyqBtEPF0YgpACd1CAwRmoOXlzIzEONFiZ1vFLItrGepnuNO7sXw"><img border="0" height="302" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7102051567788313858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQgwx25nsvuoM1mjoAJF9uaFdvj3OFwOGpECrFqNZ6NaqtB7Om7ZHoXFteSozOmRj6f3QmykiZDnipRPbJehLJipmYBQJHZsGLMnrewp8EMYBIyDmZzfJXD9OLip_DV1iyqBtEPF0YgpACd1CAwRmoOXlzIzEONFiZ1vFLItrGepnuNO7sXw=w640-h302" width="640" /></a><br /><p style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Brothers and Sisters,<br /><br />What is suffering? Suffering is the bearing of pain, inconvenience, or loss; also, the pain endured; distress, loss, or injury that is incurred. And we know that sin, and the resulting separation from God, is the source of all suffering. But now, in the gospel, Jesus has fully entered into and redeemed all our suffering by His death and resurrection. </p><p style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Now this is an amazing thing, that the Lord redeems suffering in this way, by absorbing our suffering into Himself so that we might know God. More amazing still, it will be through our suffering, as we live <span class="gmail-il">a</span> life and die <span class="gmail-il">a</span> death like his, that others will come to know God. What <span class="gmail-il">a</span> privilege! Truly, the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church. But there is a balance to keep in perspective.</p><p style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">First, not all suffering is equal. Sometimes we suffer for doing evil, and that is not the same as suffering for the sake of the gospel. Sin is deceitful, and we do not want to allow for excuses when our behavior is sinful. For example, it is wrong to purposely offend people with the Truth, or to bludgeon people with Truth. The Truth must be balanced by love. If we have no love, and we suffer for it, is Christ honored by that? (See 1 Peter 4) But even if we must suffer for our own sinfulness, it will still turn out for our good. The Lord disciplines those he loves. (Hebrews 12:5-11). </p><p style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Second, if the Lord allows suffering in our lives, and we are not at fault in any way, we also know that he will strengthen and sustain us through the trial. Thus we can count it all joy when faced with trials of any kind, knowing that the Lord is producing good in us through them. (James 1:2-3) We briefly mentioned this as we commented on Eph. 3:7, that whatever the Lord calls His servants to do, He will also empower and equip them to do it, especially if we are called to suffer for His sake. He is with us always; He will never leave or forsake us.</p><p style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Then, if we think and say we are willing to suffer for Christ, what's stopping us? Today is the day to die for Him, not in some unknown future. Reject comfort in exchange for service. Turn off the TV and love your neighbors. Prayerfully consider how much money is enough, and how much turns our hearts to idolatry. Then give the rest away. Give until it hurts–here we have no eternal city, but we seek one that is to come. Spend less time at work and in your hobbies, and more with your wife and kids and grandkids. Seek God's face. Let's deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Him. What He calls us to do, He will empower us to do–for His glory, and our good.<br /><br />For His Glory,</p><p style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;">Pastor Eric Farley (Fieldstone Church Plant)</p><p style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">______________________________</span></p><p style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"></p></div> Milo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15599529652666688356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240367.post-78488098155092844952022-05-20T13:51:00.001-04:002022-05-26T10:31:01.303-04:00Weep With Those Who Weep<div dir="ltr"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfGq4V5jt5GM-P8JbU_B-5QfRG4AtxcfGMnMyd0enrpaLErpZ6BY2DVcdeZURvDeChQEkERC1K_auIKXzgRsOWxvTxXoQDGP35BpVhPnabCg3lBqrXL3bCe2OBkOSvph4A6mFkISkqUUT38W8faMf_TpGYXWm-InXUE5wp_TRcfsv1j6HYng"><img border="0" height="572" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7099877738303614306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfGq4V5jt5GM-P8JbU_B-5QfRG4AtxcfGMnMyd0enrpaLErpZ6BY2DVcdeZURvDeChQEkERC1K_auIKXzgRsOWxvTxXoQDGP35BpVhPnabCg3lBqrXL3bCe2OBkOSvph4A6mFkISkqUUT38W8faMf_TpGYXWm-InXUE5wp_TRcfsv1j6HYng=w640-h572" width="640" /></a><span></span><br /><span></span><br /><span>Today is a day our family doesn't forget. Today is the day that our son Josiah was born in 2009. He was born with only three chambers in his little heart, but with a big fight in his belly. After a series of surgeries, procedures, and sleepless nights, Josiah passed away 249 days later in January of 2010. Our family was blessed to have every moment we had with him. </span><br /><span></span><br /><span>Last weekend, here in Buffalo, our city was the recipient of a horrific mass shooting that took the lives of 10 members of our city of good neighbors. It's all over the headline news right now, but I want to write it down, so that my memory doesn't fade on the context of the day when I look back years later. </span><br /><span></span><br /><span>We took our kids out of school for a couple hours apiece this morning, and served the people in our city hurting the most right now, very much in the same way that complete strangers served us during our grief, all those years ago. It was good to be the hands and feet of Christ today. It was good to work. It was good to pray. It was good to cry. </span><br /><span></span><br /><span>If you are interested in serving to support the community we love, there are many ways people are coming together. Here are a few we know about that have local presence on the ground. </span><br /><span></span><br /><span>North Buffalo Community Church</span><br /><span>Fillmore Community Church</span></div><div dir="ltr">Faithful Stones Fellowship<br /><span>Buffalo Community Fridge</span><br /><span>Buffalo Resource Council </span></div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><i><span class="text Rom-12-15" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" id="en-NIV-28261" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-size: 16px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.</span><span class="text Rom-12-15" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><font size="1"> </font></span><span class="text Rom-12-16" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" id="en-NIV-28262" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-size: 16px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">Live in harmony with one another. Romans 5:12-13</span></i><br /><span></span><br /><span></span>- Pastor Milo</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">_______________________________<br /><span></span><br /><span></span><br /><span></span><br /></div>Milo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15599529652666688356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240367.post-223069426045061282022-03-17T17:39:00.000-04:002022-05-26T10:28:40.553-04:00Represent Christ!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_F-0A2O8oMsDg2Xat8Sv6L9uq4Hd22SOXRmdSNfZyYCFSHnv8yRW83lkZWf67a8Qh7t_i0mvYFWXuoa97zJMnGG-S2LrMpr5jgs6G-8kiTbH2DSzYmMoYFpNelt1wlVMrK_OY4fiqdGq-XiLwfvGhW23tb-h9N9abZlAMYGhBJVoZln2nrg"><img border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7076187139627902514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_F-0A2O8oMsDg2Xat8Sv6L9uq4Hd22SOXRmdSNfZyYCFSHnv8yRW83lkZWf67a8Qh7t_i0mvYFWXuoa97zJMnGG-S2LrMpr5jgs6G-8kiTbH2DSzYmMoYFpNelt1wlVMrK_OY4fiqdGq-XiLwfvGhW23tb-h9N9abZlAMYGhBJVoZln2nrg=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"> What a beautiful day it is! </span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">I was out very early this morning before the sun came out, and the moon was shining full and bright. I stood for a moment in my driveway, mesmerized by the beauty of the creation of God. I was taken back by the way that our human eyes capture what even the best camera lense misses at the periphery. God’s creation is tremendous to behold, and it fills me with awe and wonder.</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">This afternoon, I look out and see God’s wonderful creation once again. Blue skies fill the window in my office, and the sidewalks out along the street have been crowded all afternoon with people basking in the rays of sunshine. Spring has sprung, and even if we get another cold snap or two before the month comes to an end, we know it it is only temporary. The facts of life are demonstrating themselves all around us. God keep the balance of things in motion. The seasons are changing. New life is budding all around the world. Can you see it? Can you hear the sounds? Of course you can!</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Today, when you walk around your neighborhood, when you see the people on your street you haven’t been around since the kids went trick-or-treating, this: let your light shine. Just like the sun shines on us this afternoon. Just like the full moon shines over the earth on a crisp clear morning. You are to be a city on a hill for the sake of Christ. </span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">“Whatever you do or so, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus.”</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Colossians 3:17. </span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Represent Christ!</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">- Pastor Milo</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">______________________________</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" />Milo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15599529652666688356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240367.post-268055752879176132022-02-24T11:35:00.001-05:002022-02-24T11:35:21.293-05:00Update: Family Pastor Search <p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglsSDXgGNmnR9zNurC_hicgzd_H9GVYoWGBFXzu8yebwWMuMCS0OCQJk6Wsp7g8jrkHgsUmhfYHvazjuB58B2SEqVFV5n1d5lJPwb5T3GWI9hNRhzHgYyCVVAi0f99l46-o1Ro81t_knEe510Z8yXMiWBuCJpi_0r6uTcFBBbEWU73EyOBgQ"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglsSDXgGNmnR9zNurC_hicgzd_H9GVYoWGBFXzu8yebwWMuMCS0OCQJk6Wsp7g8jrkHgsUmhfYHvazjuB58B2SEqVFV5n1d5lJPwb5T3GWI9hNRhzHgYyCVVAi0f99l46-o1Ro81t_knEe510Z8yXMiWBuCJpi_0r6uTcFBBbEWU73EyOBgQ=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7068315822263882754" /></a></p>
<br>Hey everyone. Happy Thursday to you all. There has been a lot going on in our church, and a lot to keep up with in the world… so we haven't talked about where we stand in our Family Pastor search process in a while.
<br>
<br>If you are wondering, yes, the position is still available, and we are still hoping to find the right candidate for the role that God would ultimately have for us. Because the timing has stretched out much longer than expected, we have made other adjustments to accommodate for an extended interim role for those leadership positions involved in both Children and Youth ministries, but the search has still been pressing forward.
<br>
<br>We started the search process last March, when we were told by Pastor Mario that he would be stepping down and moving away from WNY. He wasn't sure at the time where he would end up, but as you know, he is now in Louisville Kentucky pursuing his seminary degree as a full-time resident student.
<br>
<br>In March, we began putting feelers out and receiving resumes for the position of Family Pastor. We held some meetings to hear from you, as well as clarify for those interested in learning the distinctive ministry focus points of someone on pastoral staff dedicated to a family ministry role, rather than a combination role of music and youth, or youth and outreach.
<br>
<br>We went through the first round of candidates and finished that search process in July of 2021. We had narrowed down our field to 1-2 candidates, but came to a stop when the interested parties ended up withdrawing their applications from consideration. Because I would be on sabbatical for a portion of the summer, we decided to return in the fall with a 2nd round of candidates, as well as some updates to the family pastor search team.
<br>
<br>The second round of resumes came in throughout the fall, narrowing down again to 1-2 primary candidates by the month of December in which we found to be a suitable match for the role we believe God has for us in the future here. As it stands, one of those candidates has put their own resume on hold for the foreseeable future while shepherding through a difficult situation with his family. The other candidate is still communicating well with our team, and is working through finding clarity with God on calling. Not a calling to pastoral ministry, but in a specific calling to come here, to Randall Church in Buffalo, NY.
<br>
<br>So thats where things stand currently. We are in prayer that one of these two individuals might be the right fit for our church and our context. To this point, we have not yet felt God's prompting to move forward into a round three of resumes and job postings. Not yet, anyway. We trust God will make that clear if that is what we are supposed to do. Please continue to pray for us as we go. The next generation of missionaries, pastors,
<br>
<br>We can make our plans. May God direct our paths.
<br>
<br>
<br> - Pastor Milo
<br> —————————————————————Milo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15599529652666688356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240367.post-26430465780319462022022-02-17T18:12:00.001-05:002022-05-26T10:29:48.559-04:00A Tough Lesson In Humility…<div dir="ltr"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIzFFAXlREm90QgeIiH2oBtAiZ2UkA3pQ1MmD-Kdn-i6_ZqEQDI21bGZJi2cBxh_iDsVAJgLrJUTchAEuQXtPLwrCcaZLvCCqUVgBucB4C6AGH3Hn9zeP_4ogYdKcJg3cB4UbA0SSeZIKAHdNpGO-pbF39xwGI997fTOyR2h-t-uIZvz0iCw"><img border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7065820658314463714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIzFFAXlREm90QgeIiH2oBtAiZ2UkA3pQ1MmD-Kdn-i6_ZqEQDI21bGZJi2cBxh_iDsVAJgLrJUTchAEuQXtPLwrCcaZLvCCqUVgBucB4C6AGH3Hn9zeP_4ogYdKcJg3cB4UbA0SSeZIKAHdNpGO-pbF39xwGI997fTOyR2h-t-uIZvz0iCw=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; text-size-adjust: auto;"><b>A Tough Lesson In Humility…</b></span></div><div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /><div dir="ltr">We have had some key people leave the church this last year. People we know and love. People who were not on the fringes of this community of faith, but people who were in leadership roles here, and left those roles sooner then we ever expected to.<div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">We have been working through a sermon series from the book of Matthew, learning and studying what it looked like for the disciples to align their lives with Christ's way of living, particularly after He told them: "Pick up your cross and follow me…" which is why we named this series #ToTheCross. Jesus is calling the disciples to come and suffer with Him. </div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">As we march forward through the text, this <span dir="ltr">coming Sunday's</span> passage will be Matthew <span dir="ltr">18:10-20</span>. If you aren't familiar with the passage off the top of your head, this is one of the primary passages in the New Testament that deals with restoration between brothers and sisters in Christ, and how to exercise appropriate and healthy church discipline. </div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">As I approach the text, I am humbled by my own shortcomings and failures to walk blameless in the light of God's Word. There has been much personal reflection on these situations I've mentioned, on these examples where people have left our faith community and broken ties with our flock. As I allow God to mold and shape me through this experience, there is much I have to own as being problems that reside on my own side of the street. Its humbling. </div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">As I study the text, I am also shaken by my own fleshly aversion to actually follow through and do the hard things Scripture commands, and be firm and direct with what Jesus teaches his followers to do. There is a desire in me to be liked, a desire in me to be sensitive, and an overall desire in me to be excessively diplomatic in my word choices. Trying to achieve the perfect balance is a semi-helpless feeling. </div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">Would you pray for me? Pray that I say the things the Holy Spirit would have me to say? That I would preach the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? Would you also be in prayer for our church? Passages like this are often either skimmed over and generally ignored by well-meaning congregations, or taken out of context and beaten to death by someone wielding a bully pulpit. Lord give us wisdom. </div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">Last Sunday, it was really enjoyable to preach from Matthew 18:1-9; where Jesus answers the question from his disciples" "Who then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"<div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">If you were with us, I paraphrased Jesus' response to the posed question to be: "Do you want to know what true greatness is? Let me tell you the truth right here and now, and you aren't going to like it. You aren't going to like it, because its going to require that you change your behavior, change your thoughts, change your steps, and begin to change how you perceive this world. Its going to require you to change how you live your lives. True greatness in the kingdom of heaven will require change in everything!" </div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">Then I gave this sermon bullet point:</div><div dir="auto"><b>True greatness stands helplessly humble before Jesus. Matthew 18:2-5 </b></div><div dir="auto"><b><br /></b></div><div dir="auto">Well, your pastor here at Randall Church is certainly feeling humbled. I don't believe these would be the steps I would choose even if I knew it meant I was moving towards greatness. I confess I would choose an easier path. No, this path doesn't feel great at all. But humbling? Yes. Most definitely. Helpless? Not quite. I keep trying to take back control…</div><div><br /></div><div>I have much to learn. </div><div><br /></div></div><div dir="auto">Lord, like the little child in Peter's home you used as an illustration for your disciples, may you teach me to stand helplessly humble before Jesus. As you mold me, may you use me to speak your truth to others.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">Lord, Emmanuel; God be with us!</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">- Pastor Milo</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">____________________________________</div></div></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="display: inline-block; height: 76px; transform-origin: 0px 0px; transform: scale(0.652695); width: 485px;"><tbody><tr style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);" valign="top"><td style="padding-right: 10px; width: 10px;"></td><td style="display: inline-block; line-height: normal; padding: 0px 10px; text-align: initial;"></td></tr><tr style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);" valign="top"></tr></tbody></table></div></div>Milo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15599529652666688356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240367.post-59919862156650805352022-01-27T15:28:00.001-05:002022-01-27T15:28:33.192-05:00Fifth Sunday is Family Sunday!<div dir="ltr"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEejoS2NIqU8uer-GkrsfuhJLSJHnMi4yu4yLtbOVG4vDFQEBGjVeXS4CqIGgKZV4yIKF5F7H0f4-FioUzCoPaeJKkgpNLHvjkxOVpXKZsOk_1QPkhwOTFXd2vuSNzUJpQcdxo/s1600/image0-713242.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEejoS2NIqU8uer-GkrsfuhJLSJHnMi4yu4yLtbOVG4vDFQEBGjVeXS4CqIGgKZV4yIKF5F7H0f4-FioUzCoPaeJKkgpNLHvjkxOVpXKZsOk_1QPkhwOTFXd2vuSNzUJpQcdxo/s320/image0-713242.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7057985535954620018" /></a></div><div dir="ltr"><b><br></b></div><div dir="ltr"><b>Fifth Sunday is Family Sunday</b><div dir="auto">Every once in a while we do something where people ask "Why did that happen?"</div><div dir="auto">Particularly if you are just getting to know us, we want to break down any barriers as quickly as we can for helping guests find their place here at Randall Church.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">About 4-5 times a year, there are 5 Sundays in a month. Because it doesn't happen all that often, I have to admit that it can sneak up on us and we can sometimes forget to talk about it. But what we like to say is that at Randall Church, Fifth Sunday is Family Sunday and here is why:</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Practically speaking there is a certain ease of planning that comes with building our curriculum around a 48 week calendar. Our volunteers know which Sundays they will be serving, and our pastoral leadership knows when we will be highlighting children's and youth ministries in the main worship gathering. </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Knowing that detail means that we do our best to take it up a notch on the Family Sundays. We plan music that our young people can lead, and sermons that our young people can interact more easily with. We ask our children to help with greeting people on the way in, our youth to run the media equipment, and some combination of young people to lead us in worship in their own way, using their own God given skills and talents.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">If I'm honest, its not always a "comfortable" Sunday for the adults as things tend to be a bit raw and unpolished; but its always a great Sunday for the Kingdom. This is the next generation of our church learning how to pray; learning how to connect; learning how to lead. And, as a church we prioritize discipleship, and mobilize leadership as two of our values. This Family Sunday is a tangible example of just that. </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Come worship with us this Sunday. These kids are so precious… to us and to God. </div><div dir="auto">Jesus loves the little children of the world!</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">-Pastor Milo</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">____________________________________</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto"> </div> </div>Milo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15599529652666688356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240367.post-68125760983666467312022-01-06T20:29:00.000-05:002022-01-06T20:37:32.179-05:00When you don't know what to say...<div dir="ltr"><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfjcnSDj0ko7NSbqNxnUXsvIXs7W5_FTMA3vVfykjF3EJkFVkXaVZJEpl1QUetlRAvshjZYaNjGbKhO-Zx4T6yJH_XOBOpR8ymieoVZZp_yV4_U9jZElTLBE0ShGr6XPIQ9Ym/s1600/DaringtoHope_meme_04-752277.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfjcnSDj0ko7NSbqNxnUXsvIXs7W5_FTMA3vVfykjF3EJkFVkXaVZJEpl1QUetlRAvshjZYaNjGbKhO-Zx4T6yJH_XOBOpR8ymieoVZZp_yV4_U9jZElTLBE0ShGr6XPIQ9Ym/s320/DaringtoHope_meme_04-752277.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7050272366436695778" /></a><br></div><div><br></div><div>Although grief is a normal part of the human experience on this side of glory, it is never pleasant and it is never what you expected it to be. Today, I am feeling empathy for a dear family in our church going through the passing of their collective father, brother, uncle, teacher and friend. His eternal security is certain, he knew his Savior well, and spoke of his heavenly home often. But still, there has been a great loss here. What are we to do to comfort them? What are we supposed to say when we don't know what to say?</div><div><br></div><div>This may not be a perfect answer, but it's one I've been working through over the last decade or more. I've written about it before, and it has to do with celebrating the little things. </div><div><br></div><b>1. A little grief lasts a long time</b><br>Grief has a way of sneaking up on a person when they least expect it. While this can take a person off-guard, most people see it as a blessing, because it means that we haven't forgotten about the person we love. The pain is real, but it reminds us once again of the depth of the relationship.<br><br><b>2. A little help makes a big difference</b><br>Let's face it. Very few of us are good about seeking help from others when we need it. But at some level all of us need a helping hand, or a shoulder to cry on from time to time. It is important to remember that when interacting with your circle of relationships. Help someone today, and have an impact for many tomorrows.<br><br><b>3. A little trauma does every marriage good</b><br>This one is tough to acknowledge, but it is as true as anything else I might list here. The day(s) our son needed open heart surgery, or even the day he died was not as traumatic to our relationship, as the months of emptiness that followed. Still, looking back from the other side, surviving those emotion-less moments has made our desire and passion for one another more real than ever. <br><br><b>4. A little hope illuminates a great distance</b><br>I recently read a book by Katie Davis Majors along the same line of thought. In the midst of all the pain and all the hurt, hope seems even more real and tangible than ever. Our Josiah lived his entire eight months on this planet somewhere on the bubble between dire emergency and urgent critical care. As his parents, this could feel incredibly defeating. However, a little good news, a tiny ray of hope was enough to sustain us for days and days. <div>My good news, my ray of hope in this life is found in Jesus. <i>"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." Heb 6:19</i><br></div><div><i><br></i></div><div>When you don't know what to say, (like the way I feel today), take the opportunity to celebrate the little things. God is writing a grand story across all of time, and he allows each of us to experience a little part of that grand narrative. For these dear loved ones of ours, it is an honor to have been included in the journey.</div><div><br></div><div>-Pastor Milo</div><div><i><br></i></div><div><i>___________________________________________</i></div></div> Milo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15599529652666688356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240367.post-42766069492464275522022-01-01T11:55:00.001-05:002022-01-06T20:05:25.018-05:00New Year; New Start; New Staffing Update for Randall Church<div dir="ltr"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrn9QMT-Xn1doOmicjei9k9zxaBAlmXsqyoKy5iojBrpy7TjsiJ1rc85DGgXIgTfeaNEH4it32GYc-CMDSWZgyJa04APfbXbBDklW36wo9mTFgJAZEaZVO0a8OxTwNqOzS2F5/s1600/image0-759710.jpeg"><img border="0" height="426" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7048282545828878594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrn9QMT-Xn1doOmicjei9k9zxaBAlmXsqyoKy5iojBrpy7TjsiJ1rc85DGgXIgTfeaNEH4it32GYc-CMDSWZgyJa04APfbXbBDklW36wo9mTFgJAZEaZVO0a8OxTwNqOzS2F5/w640-h426/image0-759710.jpeg" width="640" /></a><br /><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><b>New Year; New Start; New Staffing Update for Randall Church </b></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">Well, its that time again. The time when you reflect on all that God has done in the past year, and look ahead into the coming year to see what may be coming down the line. To be fair, its almost comical to write a post like this, because year after year, time after time our plans do not come out the way we expect them to. If the last couple years have taught us anything, it is that the wisdom of Isaiah is absolutely true! "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">Still, like a farmer is told to make plans for tilling the fields in the spring in order to reap a harvest in the fall, we lay out our plans and ask God to guide our way. As we look into 2022, we have a few updates to give you in regards to our ministry staff that will effect much of our church in the coming months. Starting January 1st, we will be inviting a few interim staff to the team while we continue in our search for a Family Pastor to compliment our team. </div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">First of all, Frank and Dawn Czezak have become a familiar couple to many of you in our church. They have been active members in our church since they arrived a few years back. Frank has a heart to serve the Lord and has a lot of experience as a minister for a house church he started years ago out of their home in Cheektowaga. Frank will be joining our team as an Interim Visitation and Care Shepherd primarily with a focus for our senior adult population and those dealing with chronic illness. </div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">As far as the Family Pastor search is concerned, we have narrowed things down to two primary candidates. Both are coming to us from our of state; one from Ohio and the other from Kentucky. For this reason, we will be pursuing some interim leaders for our children and youth in motion, knowing that either candidate will need some time to make the move here to WNY. </div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">For Randall Kids, we have asked Sarah Russo to serve as the official Interim Children's Ministry Coordinator, and Helen Monegro to serve with her as the Randall Kids Ministry Assistant. Both are familiar faces, and will be very instrumental in keeping that ministry humming along. We look forward to seeing them both on Sunday mornings.</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">For Randall Youth, we are pursuing an Intern / Interim Youth Ministry Coordinator to come in on Sundays for the next 3-5 months, teaching on Sunday mornings at the <span dir="ltr">9 o'clock</span> hour, then running middle school and high school youth group on Sunday evenings. This is an ideal position for a college student or young adult looking for some ministry experience, while considering vocation ministry down the road. One where we can come alongside a burgeoning leader, and give them valuable ministry experience, while also seeing our children continue to grow in maturity and faith in the Lord. If you know of someone who meets this criteria, please be sure to let us know. </div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; text-size-adjust: auto;">Finally, in related news, our church plant in Clarence; Fieldstone Church, now has a new church planter for the new year. Eric and Kelly Farley will be starting at Fieldstone i</span><span dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-size-adjust: auto;">n February.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; text-size-adjust: auto;"> Eric comes to us from Community of Grace Church in Amherst, where he currently serves as an elder. This is a beautiful picture of the regional body of Christ. Both of our churches will be working together to ensure that the Clarence church plant is well resourced. Praise be to God!</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">Looking forward to what 2022 has in store!</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">We make our plans. May God direct our paths. </div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">- Pastor Milo</div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">_____________________________________</div> </div>Milo Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15599529652666688356noreply@blogger.com0