Sunday, November 6, 2005

Well another Sunday came and went and God's name was lifted high. From the choir special to the Praise Team to congregational singing it is clear that Aspen Park is a church that loves God. But is it a church that outwardly shares that with a hurting community? That is where we need to take a serious look. God has blessed us in so many ways and now is the time to reach out and share those blessings with people who may not even know they need help.

Ask God where you can be involved in His work in the coming weeks and months. Find out where He is and join Him and that way you will know you are in His will. Have a great week and I will see you at the Community Thanksgiving Meal this Wednesday. Don't forget - Oliver Middle School, 6:30 pm, Wednesday November 9th.

Tom

Worshipping in Different Places

It is now 4:00 Sunday afternoon and I am sitting in Wichita Kansas. We have enjoyed the trip but miss our church family. This morning we had the pleasure of worshipping at Immanuel Baptist with Bro. Terry and Bro. Larry. Bro. Larry and the Music ministry was superb and not just because they're big and good. But with a leader like Larry it is clear that God leads that ministry. Then we experienced a sermon from a Godly man that loves his church and his Lord. He challenged us to pray not only more but continuously. If you ever find yourself in Wichita on Sunday don't hesitate attending a service at Immanuel Baptist.

On Friday we went to visit Tim Ohls who is now pastor at Believers Baptist Church in Wichita. He recently moved here from the Tulsa area. This church is about 4 years old and is growing like a weed. It runs about 180 and in the next 5 years should have about 30,000 people move within 5 miles of it. It currently is surrounded by fields slated to be subdivisions.

These are 2 churches you don't hear about where we are and I wanted to share with you what God is doing. But even with those great things it is equally exciting to see what God is doing at Aspen Park. The only thing holding back the floodgates for Aspen Park is US! As we heard this morning "If you lose your hope you lose your passion". In our situation we need to make sure we keep our hope is in the Lord and our focus will become our passion.

So Aspen park stay firm in the Word and God will direct our path. We love you and miss you. We'll see you next week.

Bro. Tom

What a great 2 weeks.

As I looked at my blog I realized that 2 weeks had gone by and it was 2 weeks that included a Dedication service and a Labor Day weekend service. Both of those merited comments but how many times can you say "Great"? But the real test at this point in our ministry is to see if these kind of God blessed, spirit filled services become the norm rather than the surprise. It appears to be happening so the novelty is gone and God is moving on a weekly basis.

This past week in the office I saw people helping people, I recieved emails of encouragement and support, and I heard about people wanting to know what they can do to let their light shine in their community. Wow, what a week. But that's what happens when God's people get His vision and follow His path.

May we all see and experience God in a unique way this week. Have a great week.
Bro. Tom

What a Blessing!

This morning did it again. It brought us to God's Throne and allowed us to see a small glimpse of heaven. From Autumn's monoloque to Sheps song. From the beautiful and powerful choir special to Bro. Davids words of challenge and love. We experienced a service that churches dream of and strive for and thanks to God's annointing on His people and your willingness we experience it regularly.

Now it's time for the warning. Stay true to His Word and forsake not the assembling together of the saints for His glory. If we think we did it we failed and next time God may let us do it in our strength. I don't know about you but I can't do it without Him. I am not talented enough or smart enough to "pull off" what happened in the service. So let's keep watching Him and He will direct our paths together.

Bro. Tom

Great Evening of Rehearsals

Tonight was the first time in a long time that I felt everyone is getting comfortable with the new building. I know it has been a slow and in some cases painful experience but it is well worth it. As the rehearsals this evening progressed there was a peace throughout that was nice to feel. For weeks we have struggled with sound, lights and even our own sound from the choir. This was to be expected which didn't make it easier but at least we knew it would end.

So to Steve Dobbs - Great job on those lights. Keep it up and provide for us a palette of color beauty to accent what we are doing on the stage.

To Joseph Hookham - Keep up the good progress in learning and refining the sound. A new building is tough but in time I know it will be second nature.

To Tina Brodie - Your creativity and spontaneity is very refreshing. The video presentations are a tremendous asset to our services.

To Vance Hunter - Your expertise and willingness to try and learn more is wonderful. The video recordings have been a nice surprise and I look forward to new things on the horizon.

These are just some of our tech that support those on stage. This group doesn't get any credit when it's good but gets all the blame when it goes wrong. So hang in there and know that God knows your heart and reason for being in the hot seat.

God Bless You and I will see all of you Sunday,
Bro. Tom

It Finally Happened!!!

After months of "just wait" and "almost" and "we're working as fast as possible" and of course "the city is making us do it" we got in the new building. Sunday was a truly awesome experience of excitement and anticipated anxiety all rolled up in one. God's new worship center at Aspen Park gave us an experience that we won't soon forget.

From Bro David, to everyone on stage, to the tech crew, to everyone in the congregation I saw excitement in the eyes and adrenaline wanting everything to be just right.

Now we need to turn our attention to making the worship center a true center of Godly worship. This is a choice each one of us must make on a daily basis. So let's pray for each other to keep our eyes on the Lord and watch what He will do in the months and years to come.

Our Lord's Sacrifice

Today we participated in one of the most meaningful aspects of the Christian walk. That of the observance of the Lord's Supper. When a church body comes together for this special time it has the potential to move hearts and change lives. Today that occured and we may never know the full extent of what happened. But it was easy to see and hear that God moved.

Aspen Park we must stay focused on the prize and let God do the rest. Stay the course, run the race and in the end no matter what God wins. As christians that means we win. Enjoy the victory while we live the life and encounter the struggles.

Pray that we will all stay on task and lead others to the Christ we know and love.

An Unbelievable Day

As I look back to what God did yesterday some things have come to mind. Just today I talked with one of our leaders and it reminded me why God has brought me to this place at this time. He has stocked this church full of finely tuned race horses ready to run. But as with any stable working together we must all follow the trainer. It is my responsibility to discern from God what we need to do and convey that to all of you. As I shared this today and read the heart of a worshipper I also felt so unworthy to be leading. This comes from my burning desire to work with and accomodate all to use their talents for God. There are times though that it is tough to hold back some of my own desires and styles of worship for the good of the church. But I also know that Aspen Park is a church that loves and supports based on heart and not just head knowledge.

So please accept my shortcomings at times as a real heart for God and ministering to all of His children. At the same time we must continue this transition to the next step God has for us. If you were to ask me what that is at this time I would have to say "I'm not sure but God will show me in His time". My personal prayer life right now shows me that the move to a new Worship Center is a positive part of the transition but at the same time it is a scarey move for some. It is also an exciting move while at the same time will cause distress in some. But the real issue is not what I want or you want but rather what does God want.

In the past 2 or 3 months we have had conservative services, contemporary services. We have sung Hillsongs music, classical music, 50's music and southern gospel. We have had solos, duets, praise team, youth praise team, children's choir, worship choir, congregational singing, instrumental pieces, etc. etc. - Do you see where I am going?

It is hard when we are so multi-talented to put a finger on who we are or what we do. But Aspen Park I see that as a major strength. Our strength is in our continuing growth to a diverse mindset. Another major strength is the diverse group of musicians both vocally and instrumentally that God has amassed in this place. When I was asked over 6 years ago by the Aspen Park search committee did I want a band or orchestra I said both. When asked if I saw this church having a choir or praise team I said both. My response then and still now is "Why can't we allow God to use all those that He brings in whatever strengths and gifts He gives them." Today I was reminded by a loving brother the passion he feels to the music and gifts God gave him and even though I never have had all the answers I know my heart and my brothers heart and God will contue to find us faithful in what He has given us to do.

So in closing, get ready Aspen Park we are about to see some changes under God's direction. What are those - I don't know. But if we aren't growing we are dying. And part of growth is change. So hold on and just watch what God does.

I Love All Of You,
Bro. Tom

Aspen Park Around Town . . .

This week I was a reminder why we are all at Aspen Park for this time. As I went from place to place I encountered Aspen Park members and attenders that couldn't help but talk about what God is doing. Some I talked to personally and some I just saw from a distance but it was so neat to see God's people out doing their thing.

From Walmart (David) to Mazzios (Alecia, Austun, Rachel) to Warehouse Drug (Shawn) to many other places it's so good to see God's people around town. We are to be witnesses to all. Living with them but not become them (loose paraphrase). Our influence goes a lot further than just Sunday morning. This should also remind us to be His witness in all we do because we don't know who's watching.

Keep up the good work Aspen Park,
Tom

and the windows opened . . .

Easter is special in and of itself but today we experienced an outpouring of God's blessings upon us. The 2 services were full and the energy started the service but as we progressed it was obvious that God was taking over both services. As I looked into the eyes of worshippers God was moving in their hearts. What an experience.

After the services many spoke to me about the feelings and "goose bumps" they felt and that it was totally God. These moments are experiences that we should strive for on a daily basis but many times we accept status quo as standard. Let's all pray that today will be a common place and not a novelty.

Have a great Easter celebration,
Tom

Midnight Cry

This morning was again an experience that will go down in the annals. Choir you sing wonderfully and the people responded. The outburst of applause was as hearfelt as it was spontaneous. Our congregation is learning how to show their appreciation as well as the depth of their worship. Thank you Aspen Park for allowing us to be ourselves in all the music we do.

Now as usual the bar goes up and we strive for more. Easter is next weekend and it should be just as meaningful and I am looking forward to seeing what God does. Pray now for a great move of the Spirit in His place known as Aspen Park.

Not Just One More but All of Them!

That was how I felt when I walked into the Worship Center this morning and looked around. Where did they all come from and how many more will God bring? These questions should not surprise us but they do every time God opens up the blessings. Aspen park we must proceed to an understanding that God works by a different standard when it comes to numbers and people. He doesn't want just a few more, or a hundred more - He wants them all. That needs to be our theme in life. Not just one more but all of them.

In fact I am going to re-title this blog entry to Not just one more but all of them.

Let's ponder that thought a week and see where God takes it.

Bro. Tom

What a great morning!

This morning it started off dreary. With rain (again) the thought was that many would stay home. But as the day progressed they came and then more came and when it was all over the building was about full.

Then the service kicked off with a worship leader that, thanks to allergies, couldn't sing. But God moved and the experienced went past our voices. The youth did a great job as usual and Shep well you are just Shep. Great as usual.

Then our Pastor shared a powerful word that God used and moved the people. By the time the service was over 1 had accepted Christ as Savior and Lord, 1 joined the church by baptism professing Christ as Lord, 2 joined the church by transfer of letter. And the people rejoiced in what God is doing.

God is great. Let's stay focused on Him and He will continue to show His pleasure in our obedience.

Tom

God's Bringing Them!

From young to old He's bringing them. From married to single He's bringing them. From active to non-active He's bringing them. And from Christian to non-Christian He's bringing them.

The fact is that from November to now we have seen more first-time guests walk in our services than we did all of 2004. Why is that? Well I believe it's because we stepped out in faith to build what God wanted us to build. Now we must do 2 very important things.

#1 Complete the first step. We must remain faithful and financially support the construction of the building. This will take everyone since the undertaking was more than we could do anyway. Let's let God do His part by us doing ours.

#2 Take care of the guests. We also need to minister to the many He is bringing. Denise and I have taken it upon ourselves to try to get into as many guests lives as possible. We are utilizing taking them to lunch, setting up visits during the week, emailing, writing letters, calling and many other ways to let them know we care. My question to each of you - What are you doing to make people feel welcome?

The people are coming - What are you doing to make them want to stay?

Bro. Tom

What a Day!!!
Posted by Tom

The Steeple is Up

If you haven't been by the church lately - GO BY!

Today (Wednesday) they erected the new steeple on the new Worship Center. Peaking at over 50 feet it makes a clear statement to the surrounding community that we are here to stay and God is and always has been open for business. Pray that the work will continue and God will pour His blessings on a willing and deserving people.

Family Conference

To some the idea of a Family Conference being a time of praise and celebration may be foreign. But to Aspen Park it is normal. Many churches have knock-down, drag out business meetings but as expected we experienced a time a celebration in what God is doing. Aspen Park Family Conference is a service in which we thank our heavenly Father for what He has done while at the same time look forward to what He will do.

So for those still in "business meetings" I pray that some day you too will be able to experience this type of positive, reinforcing time of celebration of ministry that we experience once a quarter.

Great Day in God's House

This day is one of meaning and excitement. As we proceeded through the day it was tremendous to see people of all ages and backgrounds worshipping and loving on each other. This is truly a church that loves God and loves His people. One of the most telling signs is how fast (or slow) people leave the property after services. Every week there are people just standing around talking and even out at their cars they are conversing with no sense of time or schedule. This gives a feeling of how important their church family is to them

Keep it up Aspen Park.

Great Family Day

Today the family experienced something that very few churches ever get to experience. We toured our new worship center under construction. It is not often you get to see a building under construction but to go into it with the church family that is paying for it is an awe inspiring feeling. As I looked around I found it interesting that all generations were talking to each other. I also saw people introducing themselves to those they didn't know. The question is what caused people to meet others in a building under construction that was very cold but wouldn't do it in a heated nice facility. Well as the afternoon progressed I prayed about it and God gave me my answer. It was Him. He was all over this new building. This creates a family atmosphere unlike anything we have experienced in a long time.

Aspen Park what we saw today was God's family getting to know itself. We are a fast growing, diverse, unique family and in most cases you don't know everyone around you. So how do we get to know each other. There's only one way - perserverance. It's going to take hard work to get to know family. At family reunions you may not know everyone but you make a point to try to at least introduce yourself. Well the same is true in our scenario. You may not become great friends with everyone but I challenge you to work hard at at least introducing yourself to everyone you don't know. Try it - you might be surprised what God does.

Have a great week,
Tom

Iced Out of Rehearsals

Well it doesn't surprise me that we couldn't have rehearsal tonight. Because after all I said Sunday we needed to practice since we have had a few weeks off. But as the day progressed the weather men kept warning of the worst to come. And as most of you know, when we get any ice our parking lot ices over and due to the slope you can't get out. So to be safe we cancelled all activities.

This hasn't caused a great deal of stress for specials but the fact remains "I Miss You Guys"!!! It has been 4 weeks since our last rehearsal and I love it when we get together to practice and worship together. So needless to say I will REALLY be looking forward to next weeks rehearsal schedule.

Have a great week and be safe.

Great Lord's Supper Service

Today we had a tremendous service that led us to the Lord's table. It never ceases to amaze me how God brings the music and message together in beautiful harmony. But when He then aligns it all with the observance of His supper it moves beyond amazement and goes to awesome.

The experience alone is meaningful but this past Sunday was a true visit from our heavenly Father. It is great to weekly see what God is doing in our midst.

The Sunday evening was a relaxing time of singing the old songs and listening to a verse by verse sermon on Jude. Our Pastor sure knows how to speak the truth in an aggressive way. Thank you Bro. David for your commitment to excellence.