Christmas Musical 2006

What a great weekend. This past week everyone outdid themselves. From child to senior adult. From crew to cast. From set designer to singer. It was a weekend to remember. Over and over I keep hearing how this was the best musical in the history of Aspen park. Even if that is true I can say I am most proud of how so many took areas of leadership and excelled under God's guidance in putting this thing together.

A special thank you to Robert Klemple for set design and construction leadership.
Also to BettyAnn Adams for casting and directing our actors.
To Carol Nobles, Sandy Wing and Nicole Miller for their decorating and design abilities with the sets and props.
To all the seamstresses and to our crew for all the special effects and sound/lighting issues to deal with.

You are the best and I am so proud to say I serve the Lord with you. There is not a church anywhere that I would rather serve with. There are area churches doing musicals that don't compare because you are all volunteers that serve from the heart and not the pocket book.

Enjoy the season and thank you so much for your gift of service.
Bro. Tom

Lottie Moon 2006 & Celebrate the Season

One of the most exciting times is among us. It is a time where we try to get the focus off of us and on to foreign missions. Yesterday Bro. David presented a wonderful interactive multimedia sermon that should have brought us all to a realization of how blessed we are. I encourage each of you to ask God what your part will be in the Lottie Moon offering.

Don't forget to invite your family and friends to this years Christmas musical - Celebrate the Season. Presented Saturday and Sunday (Dec. 9&10) at 6:00 we expect standing room only. So make plans to be here early and get those good seats. When you come you will be overwhelmed by the set, the beautiful and powerful music, great acting and the multisensory experience. Don't miss out. But let the whole presentation speak to you about who Jesus truly is. God's Son that loves us and gave His all for each one of us.

See you at church,
Bro. Tom

A Thanksgiving Message

Yesterday our Pastor shared from God's Word about blessings and benefits. I encourage each of us to look at the future benefits in 2 ways. Number 1 - we will receive these benefits as children of God and we can rejoice and anticipate all that God says He has for us. But a big number 2 is what about your lost family members and friends? Don't they deserve those benefits? They won't get them if they stay lost. Stay involved in their lives and keep showing them God's love and witness when the door opens.

On Thursday we all have a chance to celebrate Thanksgiving. As you celebrate wherever you are remember the main one to thank. He gave His Son with nothing in return except acceptance. May we all thank the Lord Thursday for the true blessings and benefits.

Have a great week,
Bro. Tom

Last Day in Towanda

Well as today wraps up I look back to a whirlwind of activity and experiences. Today we started with an appointment at a business and was met with a less than desirable response. In fact after discussing the future of some of Harvest House's affairs the person we met with would not shake my hand. As I stood to shake their hand and thank them for their time they turned away and would not even say goodbye. This kind of reception is common place around here to God's workers. Pray protection around Pastor Arnie, Peggy and all the Harvest House crowd as they work daily in this environment.

We then toured a 117 year old Universalist Church for possible relocation. They were very receptive but the building has extensive work needed and is more than likely outside the realm of possibilities. But that's up to God. Pray that God would give direction to the Harvest House leadership of what to do next.

We continued to make plans for the next step of mission trips and needs and the evening wrapped up with a great fellowship time with Pastor Arnie, Peggy, Bob and Pam Yates as well as Brittany and Katie. What a tremendous family with some of the best kids. Pray protection around all the families as they try to stay focused and committed to God's work in a hostile environment.

Tomorrow I ask for your prayers that the flights will be on time and safe and I will make it back in time for rehearsals. Aspen Park I love you and look forward to seeing you tomorrow night.

Thank you to my family for allowing me the time and support to get away and do what God has called me to do.

See you all tomorrow night,
Bro. Tom

Monday in Towanda

Today started a little warmer - 43 degrees. But again it was a day that God led. Today we started out by running to Elmira and finding a Best Buy to get repair parts for their computer and to buy a speaker for the preschool area. Everything was found and we went back to the church to start work. All went together well and they are up and running again.

Bro. Arnie and I then sat down and started seeking God about future mission trips as well as needs. The needs are many and we will pray as a church to see what God wants us to do. After a time together talking about where they are on different issues we then went looking for buildings. As many of you know there aren't many options but we have some leads. Tomorrow we have an appointment at a church facility in which the church has "GROWN" from 200 to about 3. That's right three (3). They are trying to find someone to rent their 100 year old building. Tomorrow we will see just how run-down it is.

We also have a few leads on big buildings as well as an abondoned school. Just start praying and let's see what God shows Harvest House over time.

This evening proceeded with a Finance Team meeting and I was allowed the privilege of reviewing their financial picture and I was even allowed to make suggestions. It is always touchy making suggestions about someone else's finances but all went great and everyone's heart in the meeting was in one accord that it's God's money. Aspen Park has an opportunity here as well to assist that will be presented over time.

Well after a long day it's time to download the camera of building pics and to write down notes before I forget. Keep doing what God has told you to do Aspen Park and we will have many opportunities in the future to be involved wherever He wants us.

Bro. Tom

A Day in Towanda

Well it's cold here!!! I don't think it got above 40 today and the wind was blowing but God's presence warmed my heart in the services. It is great to see what God is doing. Just since our mission team was here they have almost doubled. In fact probably half of the people I saw today I didn't see in July. God is so good.

Pastor Arnie, Peggy, Brittany, Katie and many others wanted me to say HI to everyone. They pray for us daily like we pray for them. Aspen Park your prayers are working and we need to stay the course. As I have said before, I wish I could bring everyone at Aspen Park to see this but all we can do is show through a few of us what God is doing.

I will attempt to update this blog daily to keep you up on what we are doing and how things are going. I am sure things went great there with Daniel leading my Bible Study class and Robert leading in worship. Thank you gentlemen for leading out and allowing me to come do God's business in Towanda.

It is a blessing and pleasure to serve with a church that allows me to go and do and a church that is ready to go themselves when the call goes out. Get ready Aspen Park God has a lot of work for us here as well as other places. Get prayed up and wait for the call.

See you Wednesday night,
Bro. Tom

Doctrine of the Holy Spirit

Yesterday Bro. David started us down a journey of understanding the Holy Spirit. Or as much as humanly possible to understand. For too many years we have allowed other denominations to scare us away from using the Holy Spirit concepts by thinking it's something mysterious. It's time we accept it and utilize all of God.

The Holy Spirit is a person that was sent to comfort and guide us. If we leave Him out we are leaving out a third of who God is. This next Sunday Bro. David will continue this powerful teaching. I challenge you to be there to continue the journey. If you can't be there make sure and check out the DVD from the library afterward.

Don't forget this Wednesday is our annual Community Thanksgiving Meal at Oliver Middle School. Bring a lost friend and join us Wednesday at 6:30.

Have a great week and know that I am praying for you.
Bro. Tom

Bro. Jack Nabors

What a great blessing it was to sit under the teaching of Bro. Jack Nabors. When the decision was made to have him step in for our Pastor while he was on vacation I knew this would be a great day. He has a heart full of compassion but the fire is still burning intently for the lost. As the morning message progressed he became more directed at Heaven and how we need to view ourselves and our friends.

Then in the evening service he spoke to "home folk" about not giving up but stay the course and get to work. This topic is one that most ignore but the timing was truly God. Since Sunday I have heard from a number of people that Bro. Jack was speaking straight to them. In fact I even talked to someone that heard something so totally different than what I heard that I can only respond with "That's God saying what He wants to individual people". Bro. Jack reminded us that God has His own accounting system and He keeps books His way.

I am so glad God is in control of things. They get too complicated and busy for me. Thank you Bro. Jack for teaching us what God has already told you.

Mission Weekend

This past Sunday we experienced missions in action. Bro. Arnie from Towanda challenged us and encouraged us at the same time. He shared what God has shown him for Towanda and is allowing us to partner with him in the great things God has in store for that community. Harvest House ahs a bright future but our question is simple. Does God want us to partner and be involved personally with Harvest House in these days.

Aspen Park I encourage you to lift up this question to our Heavenly Father and wait upon His answer. Have a great week and I will see you at His house this Sunday.

Tom

16 Years

Yesterday we celebrated our Pastor and his wife being at Aspen park for 16 years. What a blessing. Over and over we hear about churches firing, pushing out or just not liking their Pastor and we have been so blessed by a Godly man for 16 years. Great job Aspen Park for staying focused on God's task and not just what we like.

But where do we go from here? What are we going to do for the next 16 years? Under God's leadership through Bro. David the future is bright. God continues to grow us numerically, spiritually and together as a family. Don't ever take that for granted. Cherish your Christian family and pray for them daily.

Have a great week and know that God has great plans but there's one question. Are you going to be a part of those plans?

Bro. Tom

Great Events

After a tremendous See You at the Pole concert it is time to look ahead. This past week Gabriel Peter and his band presented a great concert that rocked the roof literally. The youth and adults that attended thouroughly enjoyed it and we look forward to the next time we bring Gabriel in.

As we look ahead here are the highlights.

Oct. 8 - Recognition of 16 years of faithful leadership by our Pastor. Join us in the 10:30 am service as we recognize Bro. David and Billie and share with them how much we love them.

Oct. 15 - We are bringing in Bro. Arnie and Peggy Johnson from Towanda Pa. to get to know us and share what God is doing in Towanda and the surrounding area. He will be sharing God's Word and Ministry to us in both the 10:30 am service and the 6:00 pm service.

Oct. 29 - 5th Sunday - You know what that means "POTLUCK TIME". Bring that food (especially the chocolate pies) and let's join together for a family potluck meal.

Lots happening - don't miss out!
Bro. Tom

Wrapping Up September

Well September is coming to a close and what a month. Our Pastor has just completed a series about the qualities of God. The underlying theme is God is love and all He does is for our benefit. Wow - what a concept. If we could grasp the fact of how much love that is why would we want anything else.

Sunday Bro. David reported to the Church that Bro. Arnie and Peggy from Towanda will be joining with us on October 15th. This will be a great day as God leads Bro. Arnie in what to share with us. Make plans now to be in both services to hear from God's man.

This Wednesday the youth ministry will be celebrating the nationwide See You at the Pole event. In the morning at 7:00 they will be joining with other Christians around their school's falgpoles for worship and prayer. Then at 7:00 in the evening Aspen Park will be hosting a concert for any youth and their parents. We are bringing in Gabriel Peter and his band from 7 - 8 then we will move to the multi-purpose room for pizza, ice cream, ping pong and other games and give-aways. Encourage your young people to be a part of this great day.

Keep your eyes on the Lord and He will bless your life.

Bro. Tom

September 18, 2006

Well another Sunday came and went but what a great Sunday. The rain came and came and came and then after church it came some more. It was a welcome sight to the many months we prayed for rain. The service as well saw a rain come but it was a heavenly rain.

Our Pastor challenged us to love others with the Godly love shown by Jesus on the cross. There were no excuses or conditions just the statement "I Love You". May we all learn that truly "God Loves You". This is a concept that is hard for our finite minds to grasp but God wants us to learn it as we walk the path with Him.

Have a great week and I pray that God will show you His love and allow you many opportunities to show it to someone around you.

God Bless You,
Tom

I'm Back

Over the past few weeks a number of people have asked if it was possible to keep this blog updated with news and info for Aspen Park. Sure be happy to. So starting next Monday this blog will be updated weekly with new info, exciting news, or just everyday victories God is providing Aspen Park and those associated with Aspen Park.

The first question I have for whoever sees this is if you could recieve newsletter type info would you want to recieve it by:

1) Mail
2) Email
3) Blog
4) PDF downloadable file

Please email your response to me at tclark@aspenpark.net or tell me personally at church the next time you see me.

Have a great week and I will see you next Sunday,
Tom

Final Block Party Day

We just finished our last block party. It was great. I lost count but there were many more then Monday's party. We had a Nascar group bring some games and Jupiter Jump we served hot dogs with all the extras and sang.

The day started with the usual VBS experience. We were back up with 15 kids.

We took the afternoon off and many of our team did some sightseeing.

Tonight we heard many stories of how we have given life to a struggling church. They are beaten down and tired. We were sent by God at just the right time. You will here many stories when we get back.

Person of the Day"

Carla has been a trooper. She has popped popcorn, sang, served snacks, painted, etc. etc. Whatever was needed she did. She even went on a journey to find a store and when she got lost she kept looking until she found it. We couldn't have done it without her.

Tami is the organizer of all organizers. She put this thing together months ago and it showed as we went through the week. I can never say enough how critical she was to the success of this week. Thanks Tami.

Denise is the partner of all time for me. She gave it all and kept giving. At every turn she was loving the people and encouraging them while sweating to death at times. I thank God for giving me a partner in ministry with the love of His work like she has.

This team has been blessed by God from the beginning and it showed this week. We had our struggles but in the end the hearts stepped forward and put aside personal differences.

See you when we get home.
Tom

Midweek

Well Wednesday is over and the excitement continues. We did what some said was impossible. We remodeled the entire building and had it ready for a grand opening by 6:00 tonight. In fact we finished by 3:00 and went back to the hotel to rest. Then we went to the church and cooked dinner for them while they wandered through their "new" building. They were so excited. Person after person shared their thanks to the team and our church in Broken Arrow.

Today in VBS we were a little down with 11 kids. But it went great and the kids are learning alot. Parents continue to sit in the Bible Study and learn right along with their kids.

Then we spent the afternoon finishing the building.

This evening we had a grand opening and a celebration service in which the Youth Praise Team and Praise Team sang. We shared a few testimonies and then fellowshipped with their congregation afterwards with donuts.

Great day in the Lord.

Person of the Day:

Steve - From sound to electrical to carpentry. He does it all. On this trip he has quietly plugged along and is always looking for the next thing to do. He runs errands, gets supplies, cooks for the whole church and much more. He is a real blessing.

Michael - A witnessing example, a blessing to our youth, a cook, a painter, a singer, (you get the idea) he has a heart to help. What more can I say. We are all better off by knowing him.

All the youth - from helping in VBS to the shop ministry to serving food to singing. They have been willing to work nonstop wherever they were needed. We have the best youth and they really showed their stuff this week.

Well I share more tomorrow.
Tom

To God Be the Glory

Today was one of those days you wait for and pray for and when it happens you just say thank you God.

VBS grew from 8 kids to 18 and when you add in all the staff, kids and parents participating we had over 40 people involved.

Shop Ministry cleaning the street continues to minister and love the people. Now we have been labeled the street cleaning people. Shop owners are looking for us every afternoon now. That allows us to talk even more to them. A few shops even give donations to Harvest House for our gift to them. The field is growing. The reaping may not happen while we are here but I know it will be ready soon.

Today we had 2 different familes say they are coming to "checkout" the church Wednesday night and it was all due to the block party last night.

The remodeling is flying by. We have the entire building painted and now we will start recreating the rooms and sprucing them up. The sound system and new Computer system is up and running and today Tami taught 2 people how to run the computer projection system. We are going to refine the wiring of the system and then it should be completed.

Tonight our team night turned into ministry night but that's what we wanted. We did go out to eat and went to a mall but we invited 2 families that needed encouragement and support. We took them to dinner and treated them and then walked around the mall talking to them and getting to know them. Satan has been tearing them down for some time and this was the first time in a long time they felt loved by Christians that loved them for them and not because they probably had to. The church has loved them but sometimes God uses others to make a greater impact.

It was the best day of the week and the kids are responding in a great way. Keep up the prayers.

Tomorrow has VBS, more remodeling, Shop Ministry, Cookout for the Church, and an evening service. A full day but we pray a successful day for our Lord.

God Bless and I will talk to you tomorrow,
Tom

Monday

This post will be short because I'm tired. It's 12:15 am Tuesday and I just got to my room from meeting with people. Here's how the day went.

9 - 12 VBS - Great time. We had 8 kids and the spirit was great. This church has never had a VBS so we were excited to see kids coming. The parents even stayed in and watched and they got good Bible teaching and even did some of the activities with us.

12 - 1 - Lunch and regroup time

1 - 4 - Remodel and Shop Ministry. The remodel is going fast. We have painted over half the building and have started rearranging the furniture per Robert Klemples design. The church members are popping in to see what we are doing and they are pleasantly shocked. Robert the colors look great.

We also had a group go into the Main Street area and sweep, pick up trash, shake hands and just let the people know who Harvest House is. We had a great response and the people were fairly friendly. In fact a few shop owners even let us put flyers in their windows advertising the block party.

5 - 9 - Block Party. HUGE, HUGE, HUGE SUCCESS!!! I can't say it any better. We fed well over 70 people and many more came by but didn't eat. Wewere right downtown and this community walks everywhere so probably 70 more people walked by but didn't stop but they heard our music and watched. harvest House members helped out and the comradery between our churches was wonderful. The church next door (Methodist) even participated by surprise. A gentleman came and ate with us that we believe was the Pastor. He came over and asked what we were doing and we invited him to eat. He did and even sat down and listened to our Youth Praise Team sing. We also had one of the young couples walk by and join us.

We are looking forward to Thursday doing a block party again at the same location. But rain is expected all day. We ask the Lord to change that because we do believe a major impact is possible.

From 9 - Midnight - Tami and I met with the Pastor and their finance people on budgeting, P.O.'s as well as checks and balances within the church. The meeting went well but they are on the front end of a long process to see where God will take them. Pray that the people will get behind the budget and tithe. Thank you Aspen Park for all you do. Your money is making this trip possible. We are using your money for ministry in Towanda.

Person of the Day:

Diane - Diane is a working fool. She jumped out there today and headed up the painting. She started at 9:00 this morning with George painting in a back room and by 4:00 when she stopped she had about 5 people painting and half the building is completed. She didn't even stop for lunch. We brought her back some food so she would eat. Then she made snowcones for 3 hours at the block party in sweltering heat. She is a real trooper and it is evident she was suppose to be on this trip.

Well it's now about 12:30 so I need to get some sleep. A long day again tomorrow starts soon.

God bless you all and keep praying we feel it.
Tom

Monday

This post will be short because I'm tired. It's 12:15 am Tuesday and I just got to my room from meeting with people. Here's how the day went.

9 - 12 VBS - Great time. We had 8 kids and the spirit was great. This church has never had a VBS so we were excited to see kids coming. The parents even stayed in and watched and they got good Bible teaching and even did some of the activities with us.

12 - 1 - Lunch and regroup time

1 - 4 - Remodel and Shop Ministry. The remodel is going fast. We have painted over half the building and have started rearranging the furniture per Robert Klemples design. The church members are popping in to see what we are doing and they are pleasantly shocked. Robert the colors look great.

We also had a group go into the Main Street area and sweep, pick up trash, shake hands and just let the people know who Harvest House is. We had a great response and the people were fairly friendly. In fact a few shop owners even let us put flyers in their windows advertising the block party.

5 - 9 - Block Party. HUGE, HUGE, HUGE SUCCESS!!! I can't say it any better. We fed well over 70 people and many more came by but didn't eat. Wewere right downtown and this community walks everywhere so probably 70 more people walked by but didn't stop but they heard our music and watched. harvest House members helped out and the comradery between our churches was wonderful. The church next door (Methodist) even participated by surprise. A gentleman came and ate with us that we believe was the Pastor. He came over and asked what we were doing and we invited him to eat. He did and even sat down and listened to our Youth Praise Team sing. We also had one of the young couples walk by and join us.

We are looking forward to Thursday doing a block party again at the same location. But rain is expected all day. We ask the Lord to change that because we do believe a major impact is possible.

From 9 - Midnight - Tami and I met with the Pastor and their finance people and budgeting, P.O.'s as well as checks and balances within the church. The meeting went well but they are on the front end of a long process to see wher God will take them. Pray that the people will get behind the budget and tithe. Thank you Aspen Park for all you do. Your money is making this trip possible. We are using your money for ministry in Towanda.

Person of the Day:

Diane - Diane is a working fool. She jumped out there today and headed up the painting. She started at 9:00 this morning with George painting in a back room and by 4:00 when she stopped she had about 5 people painting and half the building is completed. She didn't even stop for lunch. We brought her back some food so she would eat. Then she made snowcones for 3 hours at the block party in sweltering heat. She is a real trooper and it is evident she was suppose to be on this trip.

Well it's now about 12:30 so I need to get some sleep. A long day again tomorrow starts soon.

God bless you all and keep praying we feel it.
Tom

What a Great Day in the Lord

Today started off like any other Lord's Day. We all got in the cars and headed off to church. But when we started interacting with the people God started opening up the lines of communication. We attended Sunday School and Worship with them this morning. Then after lunch the work started. Here was our day in a nutshell.

12 - 1 Lunch

1-3 Unload the trailer, start setting up for VBS, Setup for evening service, Sound check for Praise Team and Youth Praise Team, move furniture in preschool and childrens area in preparation for tomorrows remodeling.

3 - 5 Conferences with Harvest House members and staff. The following Conferences took place all over the building: Praise Team, Worship, Media Library, Childrens Choir concepts, Youth Leadership and teaching, Sound and Vido Projection, Computer Basics.

5 - 6 Get ready for evening service

6 - 7:30 We led out in evening service and had fellowship time with members afterward

7:45 - 8:30 Dinner

8:30 - 10:00 met with Pastor Arnie and Peggy at their house - Great fellowship time.

As you can see it was a great day. I mentioned that I would share something unique about why somebody was to come on this trip. I have 2 for you.

George - A young lady has wanted to participate and maybe lead out in library ministry but didn't know how to do it. George was the man for the moment. He came ready and now there is excitement in this young lady for what God can do in Media Library

Ashleigh - There is a young lady that is into demolition derby and hunting. This was right up Ashleigh's alley and there is a real connection being built there.

There's more to say but it's 11:00 right now and VBS is fast approaching. So I will close. Please pray for us as we are hitting some resistance. Even this evening a local basically told me off in a restaurant about how things are done. When I tried to deal with a buffet situation of cleanliness by not using a utinsil that fell on the floor he proceeded to tell me that "we don't have health rules around he and I needed to get over it." There was a reference made to me that I'm not from around here and (then he stopped). So I just smiled, said I was sorry for the confusion and went to my table.

We are just nipping the iceberg to the anger that abounds here towards God's work. But we expected it and as it says in Joshua 1:9 ". . Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go". We claim this verse and will stand on it this week.

Have a great day and I will talk to you tomorrow.
Tom

We're in Towanda

Well after 23 hours of driving across 2 days we are in Towanda. We rolled in about 4:00 this afternoon. Satan continued to throw things at us even as stupid as cancelling our rooms the day before. But God knew it and kept them from being rented out even though they are sold out. Diane flew and beat us to the hotel and she took care of getting us rooms. God is still in control

We met with Pastor Arnie and his wife Peggy. We toured the church and settled a group into their basement. We drove around the city and went out to eat. We then had a relaxed time and while some swam in the hotel pool others met and we laid out a plan of attack that will start tomorrow.

We will be attending Sunday School at 9:15 and Worship at 10:25. Then the fun begins after lunch with the unloading and setting up.

But for now all is good and we are settling in for a relaxing evening. We are praying for you and ask you to pray for us. We don't know what will happen tomorrow but we do know God is in control and we know we are to be here. Already I am seeing why certain ones were to come on this trip. Each day I will share with you some unique things that are related to why certain people were to come.

Have a great day tomorrow in God's house wherever you are and I will talk to you soon.

Tom

First Day on the Road

Well today started off great and the excitement was high. But as the day progressed we could see that we were going to have to entertain ourselves to make sure we take things as they go. We ran into countless miles of construction and then we got word that the bridge at St. Louis was down to 1 lane with a 2 hour backup. We detoured around it for an hour and then ran smack dab into stopped traffic on the freeway in Illinois. We sat there for about 45 minutes.

Long story short we got to our hotel in Ohio 2 hours late. It is now 10:40 and we are checking in and settling in for a short night. All are well and God is going before us so keep up the prayers. and we will do the same for all of you.

Tom

Mad Dash to the End

Well it's 11:00 Thursday morning and people are all over town picking vehicles, supplies and food. The dash to leaving has started and we are about ready. Now for the unexpected. That is the stuff satan will throw at us to derail our focus. Pray that we will all stay focused on the task at hand.

For those wanting to know our itinerary. We will be leaving tomorrow morning at 7:00 and going to Dayton Ohio area. Then we will leave Dayton Saturday morning and arriving in Towanda about 4:00 that afternoon.

Have a great day and I will update this when possible along the way.

It's Coming Together

After 2 days of emailing, cell phone calling and running around town it appears that all the details are coming together that we can do on this end. There are a few details we have no control over that we need your prayers for on the front end.

#1 The rain is still a factor and we don't know what it will be like when we get there.

#2 Jupiter Jump and other planned equipment is not going to be arriving so we are attempting to make other plans.

#3 Block Party land is still questionable due to rain, flooding and other parameters we can't control.

Start praying and we will let you know as we find out more details.

It's Time to go to Towanda

On Friday we start our journey to Towanda Pennsylvania. We are following God's directions to reach out. Over the next week or so I will attempt to post daily to update everyone on what is happening in Towanda. If there are no updates it will be because we don't have internet access.

Pray for us as we go with plans but are willing and able to change as the need arises. Recently they had massive floods so we may be in the middle of disaster relief. But whatever God wants us to do we will do.

7 Years - WOW!

Today I experienced the love and support that blew me away. It's not that I thought people didn't love and support me and my family but to actually see and hear it was moving to say the least. As we progressed through the day and people kept reminding me what God was doing in our midst it became clear that many were grasping the bigger picture. It's not about us - it's all about Him.

Thank you Aspen Park for 7 eventful years. Some events were not so pleasant but most made it all worthwhile. From multiple services to transitioning. From restructuring to redoing. We have gone through more in 7 years than some churches do in their lifetime. But you have remained faithful and open to what God has.

But what about the next 7 years? Well keep looking for the unexpected and He will show the answer.

God Bless all of you and I will see you Wednesday to start the next 7.
Tom

February 26, 2006

This morning was a great experience of young and old, contemporary and traditional, expected and unexpected all coming together to see what God has for us. The service was started by us but God quickly took it over and it flowed as He saw fit. In a number of places things took place that were not orchestrated and definitely not planned. I want to thank each of you for allowing God to take over your talents and skills and letting Him do some creative things.

From the lighting to the instruments to the vocalists all lifted their talents to God. Thank you choir for the wonderful expression of giving in a service that nothing short of total submission would fit. This just goes to show others in other churches how critical all are to the furthering of the Word. Choirs still hold a place in leading in worship and if we ever get to the point of just allowing a certain age group, or a certain skill level, or a certain style choice to lead us only we have gone back to a design that was changed when Jesus came and died. We all can and must come to the Father and we all must lead one another to the throne.

This week look for the opportunities to encourage one another and to invite someone with you to church this next Sunday. Have a great week and I will see many of you this Wednesday in rehearsal.

Bro. Tom

Cold or Hot???

It may have been cold outside but God moved in breathtaking powerful ways inside. Today was an awesome experience that shows numbers and conditions play very little in God moving when we open our hearts.

Youth Praise Team and Praise Team both led us in powerful ways to the throne. Thank you all for the commitment to God and His work no matter what was going on outside.

January 8, 2006

Even though it has been awhile since I posted it's definitely not because of questionable services. In fact from Cristmas musicals to great Christmas celebration services December was a wonderful blur of activity and praising our Lord. Anyone wanting a DVD of the Christmas musical can purchase one for $10.00 from the Worship Arts Ministry. Get one today.

But as the new year kicks off we pick up right where we left off in 2005. Today was a great day and all I can say to the Worship Choir is - GREAT!!! Your presentation of the song "Cover Me" was inspiring and moving. You week by week bring all of us to the Throne of our Lord. Thank you so much.

I challenge each one of you to challenge yourself to strive and reach for a higher plane personally, spiritually and musically this year. Let's work hard in 2006 and at the end of the year look back to see what God has accomplished through us.

Tom