Comments for The Gathering Church http://www.allgather.org Learning to be Present to God, Connected to One Another, and Engaged in Serving the World Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:11:59 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Comment on 01.01.12 – Hope For A New Year by Kathy Johnson http://www.allgather.org/2012/01/01/01-01-12-hope-for-a-new-year/#comment-3809 Kathy Johnson Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:11:59 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=4959#comment-3809 Sorry to bug you again, but when "play" is hit, a messages comes up that says, "file not found." Hope you had a blessed Christmas and that you're looking forward to an exciting 2012...thanks for all you do to get Mark's sermons online. Sorry to bug you again, but when “play” is hit, a messages comes up that says, “file not found.”
Hope you had a blessed Christmas and that you’re looking forward to an exciting 2012…thanks for all you do to get Mark’s sermons online.

]]> Comment on This Sunday – Jan 1 by Laura YG http://www.allgather.org/2011/12/30/this-sunday-jan-1/#comment-3772 Laura YG Sat, 31 Dec 2011 03:43:05 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=4946#comment-3772 Sorry I won't be with you this Sunday. Happy New Year to the Gathering Church. Sorry I won’t be with you this Sunday. Happy New Year to the Gathering Church.

]]> Comment on 02.13.11 – Pivot Point: Jesus’ Baptism and Temptation by Tracy http://www.allgather.org/2011/02/13/02-13-11-pivot-point-jesus-baptism-and-temptation/#comment-3673 Tracy Wed, 21 Dec 2011 03:24:51 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=3641#comment-3673 That's cleared my thoughts. Thanks for cotnirbuintg. That’s cleared my thoughts. Thanks for cotnirbuintg.

]]> Comment on This Sunday – Oct 30 by Morrie http://www.allgather.org/2011/10/28/this-sunday-%e2%80%93-oct-30/#comment-3604 Morrie Sun, 18 Dec 2011 20:58:18 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=4727#comment-3604 It's a pleasure to find such rtaionality in an answer. Welcome to the debate. It’s a pleasure to find such rtaionality in an answer. Welcome to the debate.

]]> Comment on This Sunday – Aug 21 by MC http://www.allgather.org/2011/08/19/this-sunday-aug-21/#comment-2621 MC Fri, 19 Aug 2011 19:05:03 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=4308#comment-2621 "Living out of the false self creates a compulsive desire to present a perfect image to the public so that everybody will admire us and nobody will know us." - Brennan Manning How convicting is that- 'everyone will admire us, and nobody will know us.' How lonely does that sound. (And feel.) Funny that it is often those who I truly know, in struggles along with joys, that I can most admire. “Living out of the false self creates a compulsive desire to present a perfect image to the public so that everybody will admire us and nobody will know us.” – Brennan Manning

How convicting is that- ‘everyone will admire us, and nobody will know us.’ How lonely does that sound. (And feel.) Funny that it is often those who I truly know, in struggles along with joys, that I can most admire.

]]> Comment on This Sunday – July 17 by Laura Yost-Grande http://www.allgather.org/2011/07/15/this-sunday-july-17/#comment-2358 Laura Yost-Grande Fri, 15 Jul 2011 22:44:04 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=4180#comment-2358 The woman in this narrative is one of my most favorite in the Bible. One, because I can identify with her. Secondly, given that she was an outcast in her community, what desperate courage she exhibited pushing her way through the crowd to touch Jesus. I wish we could know how her life was changed after she was healed. I hope she became a great evangelist. The woman in this narrative is one of my most favorite in the Bible. One, because I can identify with her. Secondly, given that she was an outcast in her community, what desperate courage she exhibited pushing her way through the crowd to touch Jesus. I wish we could know how her life was changed after she was healed. I hope she became a great evangelist.

]]> Comment on Summer Reading by Chris Breslin http://www.allgather.org/2011/07/05/summer-reading/#comment-2323 Chris Breslin Sat, 09 Jul 2011 02:14:23 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=4165#comment-2323 Just finished a bit of beach reading... I was a bit unorthodox in tackling Marilyne Robinson's "sequel" novel "Home" before the Pulitzer Prize winning first one: "Gilead." Both are amazing and I can't give them a higher recommendation, particularly Gilead. Also finished James K.A. Smith's "Desiring the Kingdom." Now I'm working on my friend Andy Byers' debut book about Christian cynicism called "Faith Without Illusions," as well as Eugene Peterson's (my pastoral hero!) memoir "The Pastor." Just finished a bit of beach reading… I was a bit unorthodox in tackling Marilyne Robinson’s “sequel” novel “Home” before the Pulitzer Prize winning first one: “Gilead.” Both are amazing and I can’t give them a higher recommendation, particularly Gilead.

Also finished James K.A. Smith’s “Desiring the Kingdom.”

Now I’m working on my friend Andy Byers’ debut book about Christian cynicism called “Faith Without Illusions,” as well as Eugene Peterson’s (my pastoral hero!) memoir “The Pastor.”

]]> Comment on Summer Reading by David http://www.allgather.org/2011/07/05/summer-reading/#comment-2308 David Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:51:41 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=4165#comment-2308 Thanks for this Mark- your summer lists have been a staple of my library building activities for many years. Can't wait to read Jon's book. Keep it up! D Thanks for this Mark- your summer lists have been a staple of my library building activities for many years. Can’t wait to read Jon’s book.

Keep it up!

D

]]> Comment on Summer Reading by Kathy Johnson http://www.allgather.org/2011/07/05/summer-reading/#comment-2307 Kathy Johnson Thu, 07 Jul 2011 10:37:07 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=4165#comment-2307 Summer reading...the very words cause muscles to relax and blood pressure to lower. Your recommendations are excellent, Mark, but don't qualify for the season. May I suggest Alexander McCall Smith's wonderful Mma Ramotswe books--the first in the series is called "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency." (This series is particularly excellent on CD--the Botswanan and South African accents are musical.) And there's nothing like a Carl Hiaasen novel; if he's new to you I recommend "Stormy Weather." Finally, Christopher Moore's "Lamb" wins the award for "Most Impossible to Read Without Sharing Paragraphs Aloud With the Nearest Person While Choking With Laughter." He's tied with Mary Doria Russell for the secular authors most responsible for improving my relationship with Jesus. Summer reading…the very words cause muscles to relax and blood pressure to lower. Your recommendations are excellent, Mark, but don’t qualify for the season. May I suggest Alexander McCall Smith’s wonderful Mma Ramotswe books–the first in the series is called “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.” (This series is particularly excellent on CD–the Botswanan and South African accents are musical.) And there’s nothing like a Carl Hiaasen novel; if he’s new to you I recommend “Stormy Weather.” Finally, Christopher Moore’s “Lamb” wins the award for “Most Impossible to Read Without Sharing Paragraphs Aloud With the Nearest Person While Choking With Laughter.” He’s tied with Mary Doria Russell for the secular authors most responsible for improving my relationship with Jesus.

]]> Comment on 6.26.11 – The Parable of The Unforgiving Servant by Kathy Johnson http://www.allgather.org/2011/06/26/6-26-11-the-parable-of-the-unforgiving-servant/#comment-2225 Kathy Johnson Tue, 28 Jun 2011 22:22:14 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=4152#comment-2225 Great message, Will. Now that it's been simmering in my brain for a day, I think my favorite part is that you didn't tell us Buddy's brother's response. What's key is Buddy's heart and how HE responded to God...not knowing if his brother would accept his forgiveness or not. Thanks again for your thoughtful comments on forgiving others. Great message, Will. Now that it’s been simmering in my brain for a day, I think my favorite part is that you didn’t tell us Buddy’s brother’s response. What’s key is Buddy’s heart and how HE responded to God…not knowing if his brother would accept his forgiveness or not. Thanks again for your thoughtful comments on forgiving others.

]]> Comment on 5.29.11 – Work Heartily as Christ’s Servants by Susan http://www.allgather.org/2011/05/30/5-29-11-work-heartily-as-christs-servants/#comment-1984 Susan Tue, 31 May 2011 13:04:49 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=3991#comment-1984 There is no comparing Oprah to your God given thoughts. Hers are human run yours are guided by Christ. She can say great things but it is hay and stubble yours is light and truth!! :) There is no comparing Oprah to your God given thoughts. Hers are human run yours are guided by Christ. She can say great things but it is hay and stubble yours is light and truth!! :)

]]> Comment on This Sunday – May 29 by Bruce Baldwin http://www.allgather.org/2011/05/27/this-sunday-may-29/#comment-1965 Bruce Baldwin Sun, 29 May 2011 23:18:35 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=3987#comment-1965 Another great Sermon Mark! After talking to some people after church I think my 40/60 comments during the service may have been misunderstood. For sure 40% of my work at UNC Ophthalmology is challenging, exciting and rewarding. In many ways I feel led to do what I do. That 60% of “drudgery” includes all the paperwork, meetings, ect. Now, the comment about blind patients, which happened to follow the “drudgery” comment, but certainly not part of the 60%, was meant to say I have thought a lot about how to encourage patients who face blindness. It can be very difficult to find words for patients and their family. I found a verse in one of our songs today. That hymn, written in 1752, reminds one about the promise of a perfect body in heaven. So the challenge is to match the right words with the right patient at the right time….oh, and to reduce the drudgery down to a manageable percent. Another great Sermon Mark!
After talking to some people after church I think my 40/60 comments during the service may have been misunderstood. For sure 40% of my work at UNC Ophthalmology is challenging, exciting and rewarding. In many ways I feel led to do what I do. That 60% of “drudgery” includes all the paperwork, meetings, ect. Now, the comment about blind patients, which happened to follow the “drudgery” comment, but certainly not part of the 60%, was meant to say I have thought a lot about how to encourage patients who face blindness. It can be very difficult to find words for patients and their family. I found a verse in one of our songs today. That hymn, written in 1752, reminds one about the promise of a perfect body in heaven. So the challenge is to match the right words with the right patient at the right time….oh, and to reduce the drudgery down to a manageable percent.

]]> Comment on This Sunday – May 29 by Laurie Johnson http://www.allgather.org/2011/05/27/this-sunday-may-29/#comment-1954 Laurie Johnson Fri, 27 May 2011 22:56:02 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=3987#comment-1954 Oprah's last words on her last show were- "to God be the glory" indeed! Oprah’s last words on her last show were-

“to God be the glory”

indeed!

]]> Comment on This Sunday – May 22 by Scott Carbonara http://www.allgather.org/2011/05/20/this-sunday-may-22/#comment-1922 Scott Carbonara Mon, 23 May 2011 14:46:58 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=3974#comment-1922 Your message of the "fullness of Christ" stands in stark and refreshing contrast to both a world full of high self-esteem but low self-worth as well as some believers who decry fullness, equating it to arrogance. "I can do all things through Christ...." Your message of the “fullness of Christ” stands in stark and refreshing contrast to both a world full of high self-esteem but low self-worth as well as some believers who decry fullness, equating it to arrogance. “I can do all things through Christ….”

]]> Comment on Palm Sunday This Week by Scott Carbonara http://www.allgather.org/2011/04/15/palm-sunday-this-week/#comment-1637 Scott Carbonara Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:07:53 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=3911#comment-1637 How would Tiger have responded to the accolades of the crowd if he knew that as soon as he got to the 7th hole he would be arrested, humiliated, beaten, and hung on a cross to die? When I picture Christ riding a donkey over palm branches to the cheering crowd, I often wonder how He had peace knowing the personal price He would pay to secure victory for all. How would Tiger have responded to the accolades of the crowd if he knew that as soon as he got to the 7th hole he would be arrested, humiliated, beaten, and hung on a cross to die? When I picture Christ riding a donkey over palm branches to the cheering crowd, I often wonder how He had peace knowing the personal price He would pay to secure victory for all.

]]> Comment on 4.17.11 – Palm Sunday by Jeff Crawford http://www.allgather.org/2011/04/18/4-17-11-palm-sunday/#comment-1615 Jeff Crawford Tue, 19 Apr 2011 13:33:11 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=3919#comment-1615 should be fixed now! Thanks for the heads up should be fixed now! Thanks for the heads up

]]> Comment on 4.17.11 – Palm Sunday by Kathy Johnson http://www.allgather.org/2011/04/18/4-17-11-palm-sunday/#comment-1614 Kathy Johnson Tue, 19 Apr 2011 10:47:42 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=3919#comment-1614 Auggh! The message cut out at the 14 minute mark! Can you check on uploading the full content? Many thanks! (P.S. I don't comment on the daily blog, but read each day and am often blessed and/or challenged. Thank you, Gathering Church bloggers!) Auggh! The message cut out at the 14 minute mark! Can you check on uploading the full content? Many thanks! (P.S. I don’t comment on the daily blog, but read each day and am often blessed and/or challenged. Thank you, Gathering Church bloggers!)

]]> Comment on Why a Wedding? by Scott Carbonara http://www.allgather.org/2011/04/07/why-a-wedding/#comment-1496 Scott Carbonara Fri, 08 Apr 2011 12:02:34 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=3889#comment-1496 Perhaps the Christian walk is like a wedding in another important way, too. The wedding is an event, a moment in time, just like salvation. But neither wedding nor salvation guarantees a happy-ever-after. Both serve as starting points to a long journey. Perhaps the Christian walk is like a wedding in another important way, too. The wedding is an event, a moment in time, just like salvation. But neither wedding nor salvation guarantees a happy-ever-after. Both serve as starting points to a long journey.

]]> Comment on Learning or Learned? by Scott Carbonara http://www.allgather.org/2011/03/28/learning-or-learned/#comment-1388 Scott Carbonara Mon, 28 Mar 2011 21:13:47 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=3835#comment-1388 I heard about your message on Sunday, and it touched hearts from afar. Great insight. I strive to be open to continuous learning. I heard about your message on Sunday, and it touched hearts from afar. Great insight. I strive to be open to continuous learning.

]]> Comment on This Sunday – March 27 by Scott Carbonara http://www.allgather.org/2011/03/25/this-sunday-march-27/#comment-1383 Scott Carbonara Sun, 27 Mar 2011 23:27:18 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=3825#comment-1383 I love this! When I was over a strategic comm department in corporate America, I would admonish my younger team members to read between the lines in any written communication to see if it had "tone." Tone can be intentional or accidental and have a positive or negative impact on the reader. Having heard you preach last Sunday, it's obvious that you understand not only the words conveyed in the Bible but the heart of He who inspired the words. I like this practical reminder that all-God Jesus was also all-human Jesus who used a sense of humor and irony when communicating to the humans in his fold. I appreciate you and your message. I love this! When I was over a strategic comm department in corporate America, I would admonish my younger team members to read between the lines in any written communication to see if it had “tone.” Tone can be intentional or accidental and have a positive or negative impact on the reader.

Having heard you preach last Sunday, it’s obvious that you understand not only the words conveyed in the Bible but the heart of He who inspired the words. I like this practical reminder that all-God Jesus was also all-human Jesus who used a sense of humor and irony when communicating to the humans in his fold.

I appreciate you and your message.

]]> Comment on Intensity by Scott Carbonara http://www.allgather.org/2011/03/14/intensity/#comment-1331 Scott Carbonara Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:05:50 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=3782#comment-1331 I absolutely love this (no, not the wearing of Duke jerseys...that actually sickened me :). I love the picture of digging through the roof as a demonstration of faith. I've often imagined this scene, one without shovels or proper tools. So eager to display their faith, they dug in with bare hands, flinging dirt and thatch in all directions because one thing alone mattered: meet Jesus. Thanks for the inspiration. I absolutely love this (no, not the wearing of Duke jerseys…that actually sickened me :) . I love the picture of digging through the roof as a demonstration of faith. I’ve often imagined this scene, one without shovels or proper tools. So eager to display their faith, they dug in with bare hands, flinging dirt and thatch in all directions because one thing alone mattered: meet Jesus.

Thanks for the inspiration.

]]> Comment on Volume by Mark Acuff http://www.allgather.org/2011/02/14/volume/#comment-1091 Mark Acuff Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:26:19 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=3645#comment-1091 Words worth making one quiet – to ponder as well as to listen. Thanks. Words worth making one quiet – to ponder as well as to listen. Thanks.

]]> Comment on Volume by Meredith Cochran http://www.allgather.org/2011/02/14/volume/#comment-1089 Meredith Cochran Tue, 15 Feb 2011 01:40:53 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=3645#comment-1089 This makes me think of a similar teaching I heard once, where the speaker said "... if you have noise, you don't have to face barrenness." As we long for the intimacy of knowing and trusting God's voice, and we try (knowingly or unknowingly) to mask this longing with NOISE... it's as if the noise offers, today, what it wasn't able to provide yesterday- under the false deception that today is going to be different. The speaker went on to say that our western industry exploits these longings... That the gap between our ordinary lives and what we long for widens by the ability of technology to 'transport' us -in a moment- to a world that is different from our reality. And- I think you indicated, Mark, that the noise can also come from the inside out. This is from something I wrote... (I wish I could say I wrote it a long time ago): -- 1,000 thoughts. 1,000 streams of input battle for my... for me. The stillness is deafening. Even among these thousand streams, there's been a blank, a mute in my soul. For You. That I'm aware of, sometimes clawing towards, sometimes fighting against. Sometimes crumpled beneath. Wanting more time, needing time to pass. Massive blocks of suffocating time, alone with the thousand competing priorities. -- I guess my prayer for us is that our lives will be immersed not in noise, but in the truth that if we risk the stillness, He is enough. This makes me think of a similar teaching I heard once, where the speaker said “… if you have noise, you don’t have to face barrenness.”

As we long for the intimacy of knowing and trusting God’s voice, and we try (knowingly or unknowingly) to mask this longing with NOISE… it’s as if the noise offers, today, what it wasn’t able to provide yesterday- under the false deception that today is going to be different.

The speaker went on to say that our western industry exploits these longings… That the gap between our ordinary lives and what we long for widens by the ability of technology to ‘transport’ us -in a moment- to a world that is different from our reality.

And- I think you indicated, Mark, that the noise can also come from the inside out. This is from something I wrote… (I wish I could say I wrote it a long time ago):

–
1,000 thoughts. 1,000 streams of input battle for my… for me.
The stillness is deafening.
Even among these thousand streams, there’s been a blank,
a mute in my soul.
For You.
That I’m aware of,
sometimes clawing towards,
sometimes fighting against.
Sometimes crumpled beneath.
Wanting more time,
needing time to pass.
Massive blocks of suffocating time,
alone with the thousand competing priorities.
–

I guess my prayer for us is that our lives will be immersed not in noise, but in the truth that if we risk the stillness, He is enough.

]]> Comment on This Sunday – Feb 13 by bob Higgins http://www.allgather.org/2011/02/11/this-sunday-feb-13/#comment-1077 bob Higgins Fri, 11 Feb 2011 18:58:21 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=3630#comment-1077 Hi Mark. It amazes me how God works. For the past 3 months I have been preaching through the book of Mark as well (am on Mark 2:14 now). I truly believe God is speaking to the church at large about some of the same things at the same time! Hi Mark. It amazes me how God works. For the past 3 months I have been preaching through the book of Mark as well (am on Mark 2:14 now). I truly believe God is speaking to the church at large about some of the same things at the same time!

]]> Comment on This Sunday – Jan 23 by Laura Yost-Grande http://www.allgather.org/2011/01/21/this-sunday-jan-23/#comment-1021 Laura Yost-Grande Fri, 21 Jan 2011 19:36:57 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=3552#comment-1021 This is so exciting! This is so exciting!

]]> Comment on This Sunday – Jan 16 by John Mylott http://www.allgather.org/2011/01/14/this-sunday-jan-16/#comment-1018 John Mylott Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:48:02 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=3538#comment-1018 Hello Mark Thought of you and yours today. Pray all is well. We had 74 in attendance last week at Living Legacy. May be a record. As we drove home I said to Margo, " You think he is going to do it again and let us be part of it?" She just smiled and said, " Appears so". Hang on , here we grow again. Please pray for our growth and a more suitable place to worship. Hello to Libby and all the family John and Margo Mylott Hummelstown PA Just 2 miles away from Hershey, The sweetest place on earth Hello Mark

Thought of you and yours today. Pray all is well.

We had 74 in attendance last week at Living Legacy. May be a record. As we drove home I said to Margo, ” You think he is going to do it again and let us be part of it?”

She just smiled and said, ” Appears so”.

Hang on , here we grow again.

Please pray for our growth and a more suitable place to worship.

Hello to Libby and all the family

John and Margo Mylott
Hummelstown PA

Just 2 miles away from Hershey, The sweetest place on earth

]]> Comment on Christmas Nights by Brodi Fitz http://www.allgather.org/2010/12/01/christmas-nights/#comment-985 Brodi Fitz Sat, 08 Jan 2011 05:56:12 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=3405#comment-985 This post is many times more than I could have wanted! This post is many times more than I could have wanted!

]]> Comment on This Sunday – Jan 2 by Laura YG http://www.allgather.org/2011/01/01/this-sunday-jan-2/#comment-971 Laura YG Sat, 01 Jan 2011 18:00:11 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=3505#comment-971 Sorry I'll miss the first Sunday of 2011. Still up North. Happy New Year! Sorry I’ll miss the first Sunday of 2011. Still up North. Happy New Year!

]]> Comment on “With Thanksgiving” Part II by Bonnie http://www.allgather.org/2010/11/14/%e2%80%9cwith-thanksgiving%e2%80%9d-part-ii/#comment-865 Bonnie Fri, 19 Nov 2010 18:26:51 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=3328#comment-865 "It is impossible to be grateful if you're upset about someone.... if you're worried about something." "How do you really change your mind and your perspective? Can you?" "If I was grumpy or frustrated with something it was because someone wasn't doing the right thing, Not Me, it was about Them." "How do you set your mind and your heart to think differently... well, first thing, You've got to Know your Mind and Heart." "Every human evil can be traced to our inability to sit still in a room. . . to be present to ourselves." "I wanna give you some new reflexes. The first reflex is prayer." "When you connect with God, its almost impossible not to find something to be thankful for." "Paul had developed these reflexes of knowing his own mind, and then turning his mind and his heart in a good direction." "God's determined to play the most Beautiful music in our lives, and a lot of times its through the worst things in our lives, not in spit of them but Through them. And as we learn to trust him and turn to him, we begin to see the Glory of it. We begin to hear the music." I am grateful that when I miss a Sunday service, I can listen to the sermon online! “It is impossible to be grateful if you’re upset about someone…. if you’re worried about something.”

“How do you really change your mind and your perspective? Can you?”

“If I was grumpy or frustrated with something it was because someone wasn’t doing the right thing, Not Me, it was about Them.”

“How do you set your mind and your heart to think differently… well, first thing, You’ve got to Know your Mind and Heart.”

“Every human evil can be traced to our inability to sit still in a room. . . to be present to ourselves.”

“I wanna give you some new reflexes. The first reflex is prayer.”

“When you connect with God, its almost impossible not to find something to be thankful for.”

“Paul had developed these reflexes of knowing his own mind, and then turning his mind and his heart in a good direction.”

“God’s determined to play the most Beautiful music in our lives, and a lot of times its through the worst things in our lives, not in spit of them but Through them. And as we learn to trust him and turn to him, we begin to see the Glory of it. We begin to hear the music.”

I am grateful that when I miss a Sunday service, I can listen to the sermon online!

]]> Comment on “With Thanksgiving” Part I by Tom Morris http://www.allgather.org/2010/11/07/with-thanksgiving-part-i/#comment-828 Tom Morris Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:07:16 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=3301#comment-828 Mark! Glad you liked the Libby story! Someone sent me the link to your sermon and it's the best sermon I've ever heard on gratitude. Thank you so much for it. God bless you and Libby, man! Mark! Glad you liked the Libby story! Someone sent me the link to your sermon and it’s the best sermon I’ve ever heard on gratitude. Thank you so much for it.
God bless you and Libby, man!

]]> Comment on This Sunday | Nov 7 by Laura YG http://www.allgather.org/2010/11/06/this-sunday-nov-7/#comment-826 Laura YG Sat, 06 Nov 2010 15:08:34 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=3292#comment-826 I find that when I'm living in a place of gratefulness, which is not as often and as consistently as I would like, I can live easier "in the world" without being "of the world". When I'm of the world, worry and fear are a bigger part of my life. In my opinion, learning to be thankful for even the seemingly small things makes a differences in one's life. This week, I am extremely grateful to be a woman who has the right to vote and with no one intimidating me at the ballot box. I am the third generation of women in my family who gladly and thankfully exercise this hard earned right. Freedom. I find that when I’m living in a place of gratefulness, which is not as often and as consistently as I would like, I can live easier “in the world” without being “of the world”. When I’m of the world, worry and fear are a bigger part of my life. In my opinion, learning to be thankful for even the seemingly small things makes a differences in one’s life.

This week, I am extremely grateful to be a woman who has the right to vote and with no one intimidating me at the ballot box. I am the third generation of women in my family who gladly and thankfully exercise this hard earned right. Freedom.

]]> Comment on This Sunday – Oct 31 by Richella http://www.allgather.org/2010/10/29/this-sunday-oct-31/#comment-821 Richella Sat, 30 Oct 2010 15:28:41 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=3261#comment-821 Love this post. LOVE IT. What a relief to know that I passed the test--I'm a failure, that's for sure. I'm qualified! Thank God for a Jesus who came for the sick, not the well. Love this post. LOVE IT.

What a relief to know that I passed the test–I’m a failure, that’s for sure. I’m qualified!

Thank God for a Jesus who came for the sick, not the well.

]]> Comment on Prodigal God V : “The True Elder Brother” by Joe LeBlanc http://www.allgather.org/2010/10/18/prodigal-god-v-the-true-elder-brother/#comment-815 Joe LeBlanc Mon, 25 Oct 2010 01:39:29 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=3196#comment-815 Mark, nice to hear about you and Libby again and of your continued ministry for the LORD. Dick and Beverly Horton came over tonight and mentioned they had seen you in Hudson at the church ceremony today along with David and Caroline Dean. I wish Kathy and I had been there. Its like hearing about one of the Apostles coming to town and you weren't there to greet him. (Our loss). It took me a half hour but I found your church on the internet and will be listening in now and then. You and Libby were such a great witness to us and we still are able to draw from those blessings to this day. Just like the early believers did from their encounters with other Christians.I guess I just wanna say "THANK YOU!!!" FOR YOUR continued ministry in HIS service. God bless you! If we are ever in the area, we will drop by and say hi. Our youngest daughter Amanda, just turned 20. She is in Gastonia,N.C. She is alone and struggling to find her place and survive in this world. The last 6 yrs. have been hard due to coke addiction. With prayer and Gods guidance she was able to attend rehab and turn her life around. She is surrounded by unbelievers and has turned back to god for help. She says she has not found the right church yet. Please keep her in your prayers. I will pray for you and your ministry mark, God bless, Love you Brother......Joe LeBlanc Mark, nice to hear about you and Libby again and of your continued ministry for the LORD. Dick and Beverly Horton came over tonight and mentioned they had seen you in Hudson at the church ceremony today along with David and Caroline Dean. I wish Kathy and I had been there.
Its like hearing about one of the Apostles coming to town and you weren’t there to greet him. (Our loss).
It took me a half hour but I found your church on the internet and will be listening in now and then.
You and Libby were such a great witness to us and we still are able to draw from those blessings to this day. Just like the early believers did from their encounters with other Christians.I guess I just wanna say “THANK YOU!!!” FOR YOUR continued ministry in HIS service. God bless you! If we are ever in the area, we will drop by and say hi. Our youngest daughter Amanda, just turned 20. She is in Gastonia,N.C. She is alone and struggling to find her place and survive in this world. The last 6 yrs. have been hard due to coke addiction. With prayer and Gods guidance she was able to attend rehab and turn her life around. She is surrounded by unbelievers and has turned back to god for help. She says she has not found the right church yet. Please keep her in your prayers. I will pray for you and your ministry mark, God bless, Love you
Brother……Joe LeBlanc

]]> Comment on This Sunday – Oct 3 by Debbie McCormack http://www.allgather.org/2010/10/01/this-sunday-oct-3/#comment-786 Debbie McCormack Sat, 02 Oct 2010 21:56:49 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=3089#comment-786 It would be soooooooooo wonderful if you were giving your sermon every week at Grace.... We miss you Mark, you truly love the Lord and doing a great job for Him... Can't wait until the 24th.... :-) It would be soooooooooo wonderful if you were giving
your sermon every week at Grace…. We miss you Mark, you truly love the Lord and doing a great job for Him… Can’t wait until the 24th…. :-)

]]> Comment on Prodigal God II – “The People Around Jesus” by Richella http://www.allgather.org/2010/09/26/prodigal-god-ii-the-people-around-jesus/#comment-773 Richella Sun, 26 Sep 2010 22:14:02 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=3043#comment-773 THANK YOU! I don't mind teaching Sunday school, but I HATE missing your sermons. Now I can catch up! THANK YOU! I don’t mind teaching Sunday school, but I HATE missing your sermons. Now I can catch up!

]]> Comment on 8.29.10 – Being Present Before God by Sue Blanton http://www.allgather.org/2010/08/29/8-29-10-being-present-before-god/#comment-756 Sue Blanton Thu, 02 Sep 2010 01:25:37 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2623#comment-756 Mark, Thank you-a timely message and reminder for me. It is good to still "hear God" from you. Mark,

Thank you-a timely message and reminder for me.
It is good to still “hear God” from you.

]]> Comment on A Terrible Burden by Karen http://www.allgather.org/2010/08/23/a-terrible-burden/#comment-726 Karen Mon, 23 Aug 2010 23:46:55 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2594#comment-726 Good thoughts, Mark. We do often think God's best means that we are behaving well. I taught at a Christian elementary school where I did the Bible Bowl on "Sports Day" one year. I was new and no one wanted to do anything but the outside games and skills with the students and I was thrilled to get to do the Bible Bowl, which involved getting to "quiz" every single student in the school on what they thought it meant to be saved. I was sad to find not ONE who honestly believed that it was ALL done through Christ. Works had sneaked into the message. All the other teachers assured me they talked often with their kids about that topic...but "getting right with god" had taken on all the connotations we communicate to our kids, not just what we SAY. They learn that we think it means "Go to church, don't cuss, pray every day and read the Bible." We think it more than we know. Good thoughts, Mark. We do often think God’s best means that we are behaving well. I taught at a Christian elementary school where I did the Bible Bowl on “Sports Day” one year. I was new and no one wanted to do anything but the outside games and skills with the students and I was thrilled to get to do the Bible Bowl, which involved getting to “quiz” every single student in the school on what they thought it meant to be saved. I was sad to find not ONE who honestly believed that it was ALL done through Christ. Works had sneaked into the message. All the other teachers assured me they talked often with their kids about that topic…but “getting right with god” had taken on all the connotations we communicate to our kids, not just what we SAY. They learn that we think it means “Go to church, don’t cuss, pray every day and read the Bible.” We think it more than we know.

]]> Comment on Lessons from the Bar by Natalie http://www.allgather.org/2010/07/08/lessons-from-the-bar-5/#comment-655 Natalie Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:29:39 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2472#comment-655 I read that article on Lindsay and have thought that (except that she needs Christ) every time I read about the trouble she gets into. I pray she finds him. Very true, those who aren't desperate usually need God more. We mistakenly have a tendency to think that because our life is not in chaos, we are fine. We recognize others' needs yet ignore our own :o) I read that article on Lindsay and have thought that (except that she needs Christ) every time I read about the trouble she gets into. I pray she finds him.

Very true, those who aren’t desperate usually need God more. We mistakenly have a tendency to think that because our life is not in chaos, we are fine. We recognize others’ needs yet ignore our own :o )

]]> Comment on Lessons from the Bar by Nathaniel http://www.allgather.org/2010/07/08/lessons-from-the-bar-5/#comment-654 Nathaniel Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:08:16 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2472#comment-654 Man, I need God because I think I'm better than everyone else =\ Man, I need God because I think I’m better than everyone else =\

]]> Comment on Lessons from the Bar by Shawn Cornett http://www.allgather.org/2010/07/08/lessons-from-the-bar-5/#comment-652 Shawn Cornett Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:20:49 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2472#comment-652 First time reader and commenter. How true is this?!? Could it be that we need God more in our pride than in our weakness? When I am humble and weak, I need God to lift me up. I think that that is easier than when I am puffed up and proud and need to be brought low. I cry out, "Help me!" long before I realize I need to cry out, "Humble me!" I am much more hesitant to do the latter than the former. First time reader and commenter. How true is this?!? Could it be that we need God more in our pride than in our weakness? When I am humble and weak, I need God to lift me up. I think that that is easier than when I am puffed up and proud and need to be brought low. I cry out, “Help me!” long before I realize I need to cry out, “Humble me!” I am much more hesitant to do the latter than the former.

]]> Comment on Lessons from the Bar by Sharon Kendrew http://www.allgather.org/2010/07/08/lessons-from-the-bar-5/#comment-651 Sharon Kendrew Thu, 08 Jul 2010 23:26:32 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2472#comment-651 The Devil does come poking around when we least expect it, when our lives our good and when we tend to sit back and take credit for what "we've" done instead of giving praise for what He's done. Great post and fantastic reminder that we need God every day, all day! The Devil does come poking around when we least expect it, when our lives our good and when we tend to sit back and take credit for what “we’ve” done instead of giving praise for what He’s done.

Great post and fantastic reminder that we need God every day, all day!

]]> Comment on Lessons from the Bar by Cari Kaufman http://www.allgather.org/2010/07/08/lessons-from-the-bar-5/#comment-650 Cari Kaufman Thu, 08 Jul 2010 23:19:33 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2472#comment-650 "we need God most when we don’t seem to need God at all." Wow...I so needed this post today! Thank you! “we need God most when we don’t seem to need God at all.”

Wow…I so needed this post today! Thank you!

]]> Comment on Lessons from the Bar by Mike Hooper http://www.allgather.org/2010/07/08/lessons-from-the-bar-5/#comment-649 Mike Hooper Thu, 08 Jul 2010 22:38:37 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2472#comment-649 Great post Mark! What an awesome reminder that we don't have to wait till we are in the Pig Slop to return to the Father, and while we are with Him, not to grow cold in our love for Him. I love that: "I need God to keep my mind and heart alive with love for the things worth loving... so that I might live with a glad response." Great post Mark! What an awesome reminder that we don’t have to wait till we are in the Pig Slop to return to the Father, and while we are with Him, not to grow cold in our love for Him. I love that: “I need God to keep my mind and heart alive with love for the things worth loving… so that I might live with a glad response.”

]]> Comment on Hard to Do by Karen http://www.allgather.org/2010/07/01/hard-to-do/#comment-641 Karen Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:25:27 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2445#comment-641 This is great, Mark! Thanks for your glimpse into one pastor's prayer time. So true!! This is great, Mark! Thanks for your glimpse into one pastor’s prayer time. So true!!

]]> Comment on Gathering Church Sermon Podcast : 06.13.10 by Brenda and Rob Raabe http://www.allgather.org/2010/06/15/gathering-church-sermon-podcast-06-13-10/#comment-637 Brenda and Rob Raabe Thu, 17 Jun 2010 12:40:44 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2356#comment-637 Mark, Thank you for your powerful and helpful message! You communicate so well to our hearts and struggles as well as to our joys. We thank you that you have cried with Mike. What love to make yourself that vulnerable to our precious son!. We love and appreciate you and Libby so much!! Brenda and Rob Mark,
Thank you for your powerful and helpful message! You communicate so well to our hearts and struggles as well as to our joys. We thank you that you have cried with Mike. What love to make yourself that vulnerable to our precious son!. We love and appreciate you and Libby so much!!
Brenda and Rob

]]> Comment on This Sunday – June 13 by Bonnie http://www.allgather.org/2010/06/11/this-sunday-june-13/#comment-636 Bonnie Sat, 12 Jun 2010 05:34:26 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2318#comment-636 I work with a really good guy. He is a solid kinda guy, a gentle Man. His wife found out she was pregnant, and he was Thrilled. Then he found out he is called back to Iraq, and will leave in a month. Then his wife has a miscarriage. He told me all this, and then said "It's okay though. It'll all be alright." I could tell he was trying to be 'hopeful' and 'keep the faith'. I said "Ya know, psalms is Full of David being Angry or scared is full honesty, and feeling Helpless. Its alright to be honest with God. He knows our heart anyway." The idea of this kind of honest in the bible made him smile and laugh and he said "Thats true." He took a deep sigh, like he had Permission from God to Feel what he was going through. I Can't Even Imagine! I know that our feelings don't overwhelm God. I am still asking the Holy Spirit to help me to be present to people when feeling so raw. Sounds like a Great Word Mark! I work with a really good guy. He is a solid kinda guy, a gentle Man. His wife found out she was pregnant, and he was Thrilled. Then he found out he is called back to Iraq, and will leave in a month. Then his wife has a miscarriage. He told me all this, and then said “It’s okay though. It’ll all be alright.” I could tell he was trying to be ‘hopeful’ and ‘keep the faith’. I said “Ya know, psalms is Full of David being Angry or scared is full honesty, and feeling Helpless. Its alright to be honest with God. He knows our heart anyway.” The idea of this kind of honest in the bible made him smile and laugh and he said “Thats true.” He took a deep sigh, like he had Permission from God to Feel what he was going through.

I Can’t Even Imagine! I know that our feelings don’t overwhelm God. I am still asking the Holy Spirit to help me to be present to people when feeling so raw. Sounds like a Great Word Mark!

]]> Comment on This Sunday – June 13 by Meredith Cochran http://www.allgather.org/2010/06/11/this-sunday-june-13/#comment-635 Meredith Cochran Sat, 12 Jun 2010 01:08:59 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2318#comment-635 I agree. Mark- thanks for your vision, and personal modeling, of a church where people don't have to pretend to be just fine all the time. It draws out our real character, which is deeper and more complex and more beautiful than being "fine." I look forward to the real and raw truth you will share! I agree. Mark- thanks for your vision, and personal modeling, of a church where people don’t have to pretend to be just fine all the time. It draws out our real character, which is deeper and more complex and more beautiful than being “fine.” I look forward to the real and raw truth you will share!

]]> Comment on This Sunday – June 13 by Curt Lowndes http://www.allgather.org/2010/06/11/this-sunday-june-13/#comment-634 Curt Lowndes Sat, 12 Jun 2010 00:56:07 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2318#comment-634 Mark, This sounds great. We have definitely lost the language of lament and pain in the church, but our scriptures (particularly the psalms) are full of that language. It's time for us to be honest with ourselves and everyone else about how difficult this life can be. The church must be a place where we can speak the truth about ourselves, the world in which we live, injustice, etc. People will see through our masks if we pretend everything is great all the time. I'm really looking forward to this Sunday. Mark,
This sounds great. We have definitely lost the language of lament and pain in the church, but our scriptures (particularly the psalms) are full of that language. It’s time for us to be honest with ourselves and everyone else about how difficult this life can be. The church must be a place where we can speak the truth about ourselves, the world in which we live, injustice, etc. People will see through our masks if we pretend everything is great all the time. I’m really looking forward to this Sunday.

]]> Comment on Great Day! by Daryl Riggins http://www.allgather.org/2010/06/07/great-day/#comment-629 Daryl Riggins Mon, 07 Jun 2010 17:30:57 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2294#comment-629 It was a blessing to me not only to participate in the worship service and witness the baptisms, but to welcome my new church family to Chestnut Ridge. It's been a part of my life for nearly a decade and I really enjoy sharing it with others. I look forward to the next opportunity. -Daryl It was a blessing to me not only to participate in the worship service and witness the baptisms, but to welcome my new church family to Chestnut Ridge. It’s been a part of my life for nearly a decade and I really enjoy sharing it with others. I look forward to the next opportunity.

-Daryl

]]> Comment on Gathering Church Sermon Podcast : 05.16.10 by Tim Greene http://www.allgather.org/2010/05/17/gathering-church-sermon-podcast-05-16-10/#comment-617 Tim Greene Tue, 18 May 2010 14:03:18 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2185#comment-617 Was I the only one who noticed that while Mark was out of town that Chris strategically placed a "Duke" water bottle on the table in front of the church? Coincidence? I don't think so...... Look for futher developments. Was I the only one who noticed that while Mark was out of town that Chris strategically placed a “Duke” water bottle on the table in front of the church? Coincidence? I don’t think so…… Look for futher developments.

]]> Comment on Preview & Input: God’s M.O. by Karen http://www.allgather.org/2010/05/13/preview-input-gods-m-o/#comment-616 Karen Thu, 13 May 2010 20:55:49 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2172#comment-616 Trust. History. Confidence. That's so interesting. I look forward to hearing about our relationship with God ...and with each other. In that light! Karen Trust. History. Confidence. That’s so interesting.

I look forward to hearing about our relationship with God …and with each other. In that light!

Karen

]]> Comment on Yesterday’s Notes by Bonnie http://www.allgather.org/2010/05/10/yesterdays-notes/#comment-615 Bonnie Mon, 10 May 2010 23:24:17 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2156#comment-615 'Knowing God in my greatest challenges.' Thats Huge. God isn't waiting on the curb while we are going through something. He is speaking to us and Will teach us and show us Him, in the midst. A word about Idolatry: Recently I have had my eyes opened to idolatry. It's subtle and sneaky. Fear can creep into our daily thoughts and lives so slowly that we don't see how we are putting together an alter and bowing down and worshiping Fear. We can sometimes slowly allow Fear to become an Idol to us. OR fearing other's opinions of our lives and seeking to be understood More then Seeking God's approval and His peace. It's all about progress Not perfection, and I thank God's Holy Spirit for how he reveals strongholds in such a gentle and loving way. ‘Knowing God in my greatest challenges.’ Thats Huge. God isn’t waiting on the curb while we are going through something. He is speaking to us and Will teach us and show us Him, in the midst.

A word about Idolatry:
Recently I have had my eyes opened to idolatry. It’s subtle and sneaky. Fear can creep into our daily thoughts and lives so slowly that we don’t see how we are putting together an alter and bowing down and worshiping Fear. We can sometimes slowly allow Fear to become an Idol to us. OR fearing other’s opinions of our lives and seeking to be understood More then Seeking God’s approval and His peace.

It’s all about progress Not perfection, and I thank God’s Holy Spirit for how he reveals strongholds in such a gentle and loving way.

]]> Comment on Yesterday’s Notes by karen http://www.allgather.org/2010/05/10/yesterdays-notes/#comment-614 karen Mon, 10 May 2010 21:09:24 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2156#comment-614 One could also say, "Growth is a choice based on a passion for LIFE [God]and a LOVE OF {Christ]THE TRUTH." I'm pretty sure I declared that to the universe from a hill side in Vail, Colorado one summer day when I was 24-25. I confessed my hunger for those two things, life and truth. After that, I began to reach out to people, and questioned and sought. Will you be bringing any word about idolatry? One could also say, “Growth is a choice based on a passion for LIFE [God]and a LOVE OF {Christ]THE TRUTH.” I’m pretty sure I declared that to the universe from a hill side in Vail, Colorado one summer day when I was 24-25. I confessed my hunger for those two things, life and truth. After that, I began to reach out to people, and questioned and sought.
Will you be bringing any word about idolatry?

]]> Comment on Preview – Becoming by Bonnie http://www.allgather.org/2010/05/06/preview-becoming/#comment-613 Bonnie Fri, 07 May 2010 20:14:29 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2147#comment-613 What has helped me grow? When I have received a Good Word. Could be a sermon, a verse, words from a friend, or a stranger, or even a Good Word from a tv show I was watching... yeah, that usually starts things up in my Spirit, Big Time~ What has helped me grow? When I have received a Good Word. Could be a sermon, a verse, words from a friend, or a stranger, or even a Good Word from a tv show I was watching… yeah, that usually starts things up in my Spirit, Big Time~

]]> Comment on Preview – Becoming by Karen http://www.allgather.org/2010/05/06/preview-becoming/#comment-612 Karen Thu, 06 May 2010 20:21:00 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2147#comment-612 Passion killer? I think FEAR is the number one "passion killer." I think I have come to believe that it is worst of all to be under the tyranny of fear; worse even than anger, which is insane as well. Passion killer? I think FEAR is the number one “passion killer.” I think I have come to believe that it is worst of all to be under the tyranny of fear; worse even than anger, which is insane as well.

]]> Comment on So, What Was It? by Amy http://www.allgather.org/2010/05/03/so-what-was-it/#comment-611 Amy Tue, 04 May 2010 01:28:33 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2137#comment-611 One thing that you said on Sunday that really struck me was about death. It has no power over us. That's been said to me hundreds of times. I've read it a ton in scripture. But the realism of it came over me on Sunday. Awesome! One thing that you said on Sunday that really struck me was about death. It has no power over us. That’s been said to me hundreds of times. I’ve read it a ton in scripture. But the realism of it came over me on Sunday. Awesome!

]]> Comment on So, What Was It? by Karen http://www.allgather.org/2010/05/03/so-what-was-it/#comment-610 Karen Mon, 03 May 2010 22:21:47 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2137#comment-610 Thanks for sharing more on it. Such a good word, Mark! Thanks for sharing more on it. Such a good word, Mark!

]]> Comment on This Sunday – May 2 by Betsy Rorie Leonard http://www.allgather.org/2010/04/30/this-sunday-may-2/#comment-609 Betsy Rorie Leonard Sat, 01 May 2010 00:40:05 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2130#comment-609 I just listened to your Easter Sunday message about being "grumpy in public"...boy, did I see myself! Thanks, Mark! I just listened to your Easter Sunday message about being “grumpy in public”…boy, did I see myself! Thanks, Mark!

]]> Comment on This Sunday – May 2 by Doug http://www.allgather.org/2010/04/30/this-sunday-may-2/#comment-608 Doug Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:05:01 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2130#comment-608 I'm super bummed that I'll be missing it! I’m super bummed that I’ll be missing it!

]]> Comment on This Sunday – May 2 by Bonnie http://www.allgather.org/2010/04/30/this-sunday-may-2/#comment-607 Bonnie Fri, 30 Apr 2010 20:07:15 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2130#comment-607 well Geeze, now nether can I! well Geeze, now nether can I!

]]> Comment on Preview & Input by Kevin http://www.allgather.org/2010/04/28/preview-input-2/#comment-606 Kevin Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:47:43 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2114#comment-606 I was just thinking about this the other day while writing my thoughts on your sermon last Sunday. My thought is that even though I received Jesus at a young age (8), I haven’t walked beside Him. I may have been firmly rooted and established in my faith at a young age, but what I think was missing for me was the tools to navigate and reject the world of secular humanism after leaving the nest. I was just thinking about this the other day while writing my thoughts on your sermon last Sunday. My thought is that even though I received Jesus at a young age (8), I haven’t walked beside Him. I may have been firmly rooted and established in my faith at a young age, but what I think was missing for me was the tools to navigate and reject the world of secular humanism after leaving the nest.

]]> Comment on Gathering Church Sermon Podcast : 04.18.10 by Anne Acuff http://www.allgather.org/2010/04/19/gathering-church-sermon-podcast-04-18-10/#comment-575 Anne Acuff Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:34:26 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2069#comment-575 What you had to say was very good Jon. And a spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down, so I love the humor. It has made me think a lot!! Have sent several here to listen for themselves. Can people access this through your blog? So good to see you, Jenny and the girls. What you had to say was very good Jon. And a spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down, so I love the humor. It has made me think a lot!! Have sent several here to listen for themselves. Can people access this through your blog? So good to see you, Jenny and the girls.

]]> Comment on This Sunday – April 25 by Carolyn Broom http://www.allgather.org/2010/04/24/this-sunday-april-25/#comment-574 Carolyn Broom Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:10:01 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2096#comment-574 Hi Mark, It's Carolyn Broom. Couldn't decide which of your websites to use but just wanted to check and see how your new ministry is progressing. Say hey to Libby. Carolyn Hi Mark,
It’s Carolyn Broom. Couldn’t decide which of your websites to use but just wanted to check and see how your new ministry is progressing.

Say hey to Libby.

Carolyn

]]> Comment on Preview & Input by Richella http://www.allgather.org/2010/04/21/preview-input/#comment-573 Richella Fri, 23 Apr 2010 23:10:19 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2079#comment-573 It's funny--whenever I stop to assess where I am spiritually, I find myself in a place that could best be described as Not Where I Expected To Be. Another name for this place could be But God Knows Where We Are. And, glory hallelujah, He also knows The Way Home. It’s funny–whenever I stop to assess where I am spiritually, I find myself in a place that could best be described as Not Where I Expected To Be.

Another name for this place could be But God Knows Where We Are.

And, glory hallelujah, He also knows The Way Home.

]]> Comment on Gathering Church Sermon Podcast : 04.18.10 by Bonnie http://www.allgather.org/2010/04/19/gathering-church-sermon-podcast-04-18-10/#comment-572 Bonnie Tue, 20 Apr 2010 23:00:07 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2069#comment-572 I was so bummed to be outta town when Jon was speaking! I just listened to this sermon... think I'll listen again and take some notes. If you wanna make room for God's Glory in your life, gotta get ride of the lies that dwell there. Great Message, and of course, wonderful jokes. I was so bummed to be outta town when Jon was speaking! I just listened to this sermon… think I’ll listen again and take some notes. If you wanna make room for God’s Glory in your life, gotta get ride of the lies that dwell there. Great Message, and of course, wonderful jokes.

]]> Comment on Keep Searching by Tera Bullock http://www.allgather.org/2010/04/14/keep-searching/#comment-571 Tera Bullock Wed, 14 Apr 2010 17:07:51 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2050#comment-571 Mark, I just had to say thank you for writing this. Thank you , Tera Mark,
I just had to say thank you for writing this.

Thank you ,
Tera

]]> Comment on Guest Speaker This Weekend by Bonnie http://www.allgather.org/2010/04/12/guest-speaker-this-weekend/#comment-570 Bonnie Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:20:45 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2021#comment-570 I was so looking fwd to meeting your son Mark! Your family has become My family, ya know? I was gonna go get a book signed and everything. Alas, I will be out of town. As Steve Kurtz told me "You can't do everything Bonnie." I will get to hear his message on podcast, but I am still thrilled about his coming. Nick has read his blog often over the last 2 years, and we have shared many a laugh and deep thought over Jon's words. I know it will be a Wonderful time. I too feel proud of Jon, even though I have never met him... is that possible? Hahaha, how bout I am just Very happy for you and Libby ~ I was so looking fwd to meeting your son Mark! Your family has become My family, ya know? I was gonna go get a book signed and everything. Alas, I will be out of town. As Steve Kurtz told me “You can’t do everything Bonnie.” I will get to hear his message on podcast, but I am still thrilled about his coming. Nick has read his blog often over the last 2 years, and we have shared many a laugh and deep thought over Jon’s words. I know it will be a Wonderful time. I too feel proud of Jon, even though I have never met him… is that possible? Hahaha, how bout I am just Very happy for you and Libby ~

]]> Comment on Sometimes It’s Fine Not Being Fine by Bonnie http://www.allgather.org/2010/04/13/sometimes-its-fine-not-being-fine/#comment-569 Bonnie Tue, 13 Apr 2010 21:04:39 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2028#comment-569 Amen!! I love that scripture... "I will see God in the land of the living." I am very thankful for this blog Mark. Honest. When you look in the psalms, you read about every emotion you can think of. Expressions of feeling lost and alone. I think that shows us that it is okay to have those feelings And express them. We are not called though to be Ruled by our feelings, but by God's authority. I think getting them out to the light is a good start. Acceptance, ya know? What have I learned about the times I have been in the desert? With God's Word front and center I have Always come out Stronger! Amen!! I love that scripture… “I will see God in the land of the living.” I am very thankful for this blog Mark. Honest. When you look in the psalms, you read about every emotion you can think of. Expressions of feeling lost and alone. I think that shows us that it is okay to have those feelings And express them. We are not called though to be Ruled by our feelings, but by God’s authority. I think getting them out to the light is a good start. Acceptance, ya know? What have I learned about the times I have been in the desert? With God’s Word front and center I have Always come out Stronger!

]]> Comment on Guest Speaker This Weekend by Steve Kurtz http://www.allgather.org/2010/04/12/guest-speaker-this-weekend/#comment-568 Steve Kurtz Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:29:53 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2021#comment-568 We are proud of him too. Who knew that little "nananoo" (Peter couldn't say "Jonathan") would become what he has. We are proud of him too. Who knew that little “nananoo” (Peter couldn’t say “Jonathan”) would become what he has.

]]> Comment on Sympathy for the Devils by Karen http://www.allgather.org/2010/04/08/sympathy-for-the-devils/#comment-567 Karen Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:54:18 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=2004#comment-567 Go Chris! Way to make a good connection! = ) Go Chris! Way to make a good connection! = )

]]> Comment on What I Learned from Duke by Betsy Rorie Leonard http://www.allgather.org/2010/04/07/what-i-learned-from-duke/#comment-566 Betsy Rorie Leonard Wed, 07 Apr 2010 23:50:32 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=1996#comment-566 Hi Mark- I talked to Gregg Sykes last night for about 2 hours on the phone! It was great catching up and we really enjoyed laughing and talking about our days as teenagers and growing up at Carmel Baptist Church. Looking back, those years played such a big part in my development as a Christian and the things that I learned from that church, my parents and the Youth Group at Carmel are still so much a part of who I am...I am so blessed to have parents and friends from so long ago to lead and guide me all these years. Just wanted to say hello and hope you and Libby are doing well. I hope we're having a 40th reunion for our class from South. You'd better be there! I'll keep you posted. I love reading about your church. Love- Betsy Hi Mark- I talked to Gregg Sykes last night for about 2 hours on the phone! It was great catching up and we really enjoyed laughing and talking about our days as teenagers and growing up at Carmel Baptist Church. Looking back, those years played such a big part in my development as a Christian and the things that I learned from that church, my parents and the Youth Group at Carmel are still so much a part of who I am…I am so blessed to have parents and friends from so long ago to lead and guide me all these years. Just wanted to say hello and hope you and Libby are doing well. I hope we’re having a 40th reunion for our class from South. You’d better be there! I’ll keep you posted. I love reading about your church. Love- Betsy

]]> Comment on What I Learned from Mary by Karen http://www.allgather.org/2010/04/02/what-i-learned-from-mary/#comment-544 Karen Fri, 02 Apr 2010 19:56:43 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=1960#comment-544 Thanks for sharing this. Little children and those become like children in their aged perception often startle me with their spiritual depth. Good Easter story. Thanks for sharing this. Little children and those become like children in their aged perception often startle me with their spiritual depth. Good Easter story.

]]> Comment on April Fools & Holy Weak by Bonnie http://www.allgather.org/2010/04/01/april-fools-holy-weak/#comment-543 Bonnie Fri, 02 Apr 2010 01:50:42 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=1951#comment-543 "...embrace this call to be holy April fools." I like that~ “…embrace this call to be holy April fools.”
I like that~

]]> Comment on Change by Mike Tilton http://www.allgather.org/2010/03/31/change/#comment-542 Mike Tilton Wed, 31 Mar 2010 18:12:51 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=1945#comment-542 Mark, Great context on change. I had the opportunity to talk about the story of Peter last week to a large junior high group. Luke 24:12 was a key verse we focused on - where Peter "wondered" about the empty tomb. It seems like it was the point where he finally "got it" - hopefully all of us invest some time wondering, especially this week. Hope you and Libby are well - have a wonderful Easter. Mike T. Mark,

Great context on change. I had the opportunity to talk about the story of Peter last week to a large junior high group. Luke 24:12 was a key verse we focused on – where Peter “wondered” about the empty tomb. It seems like it was the point where he finally “got it” – hopefully all of us invest some time wondering, especially this week. Hope you and Libby are well – have a wonderful Easter.

Mike T.

]]> Comment on Gathering Church Sermon Podcast : 3.27.10 by Karen http://www.allgather.org/2010/03/29/gathering-church-sermon-podcast-3-27-10/#comment-538 Karen Mon, 29 Mar 2010 21:06:48 +0000 http://www.allgather.org/?p=1938#comment-538 I'm ever so thankful for this pod recording. I loved my time with Lyndsay and the Toddler Tigers, but I did miss the message. What a joy to listen. And what a nice recording, Jeff, and everybody. Thanks! I’m ever so thankful for this pod recording. I loved my time with Lyndsay and the Toddler Tigers, but I did miss the message. What a joy to listen. And what a nice recording, Jeff, and everybody. Thanks!

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