McGill Baptist Church - Concord NC

                                                                        It’s a Small World      

      It is a small world after all. I am always amazed at some of the things that happen on our mission trips that bring this point home. This last trip was no exception. After Kiev, we were able to spend a few days in Rome. Rome is an incredible place. There have been some places that I have traveled where the reality never lived up to the hype. I remember our first visit to the United Nations. It just seemed too small and too ordinary. I don’t know what I expected it to be but there was this feeling: “Is this all there is?” Rome did not conjure up any of those feelings. It was as breathtaking and intriguing as I could ever imagine. From St. Peter’s Basilica and the Pieta (the only work Michelangelo ever signed) to the Sistine Chapel and the depiction of creation to the the Coliseum and the ruins of Caesar Augustus’ palace, there was not anything that disappointed. (Now Bud was a little disappointed that he could not get spaghetti and meatballs but you can’t have everything!) To be at the center of the beginning of most of western civilization and a key stage for the formation of our faith was extraordinary. 

  There’s No Place Like Home      

 It is so good to be back at home. It was one of our most successful trips to the Ukraine. A lot of work got accomplished with a wonderful spirit of fellowship and camaraderie achieved. Yet, just like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, there is no place like home. You have certainly made us feel at home and welcome in Concord.  I still can’t believe we are in our tenth year now. It was so very kind of you to honor us this past Sunday and show your appreciation with the certificate and the monetary gift. It is an honor and  pleasure to be your pastor. I am thankful that we were brought back together in this exciting pilgrimage of faith and life.       

Be Different    

When Jesus challenged his followers to possess a righteousness that exceeded the religious leaders of his day, he wanted them to be “different”. Jesus wanted his followers to be “more than” disciples. Different! Unique! A cut above!     

     Become a David         

   David wasn’t concerned about what other people thought or what he couldn’t do. Instead he concentrated on what God could do through him. Let’s see what God can do through us in our children’s ministry. 

  Children Matter to God!     

 Children are the church of tomorrow, but we should not forget they are also the church of today. Their attitudes, values, theology, perceptions, principles, preferences, commitment, and decisions are all formed and forged by middle school. A child’s ability to worship and praise God is NOW! (“a little child will lead them”) Isaiah 11:6     Let’s be open to trying something new. I welcome YOUR input as I seek the Lord to make our Children’s Ministry at McGill Baptist even better. It is already GREAT!

                                                                    Linda Childress