A Delightful Picnic with Purpose?

BIG thank you and WTG to all of you able to spend some time at the park last week during our Picnic with Purpose. Aside from a fantastic meal, we enjoyed Corn Hole, Ladder Ball, and new this year: Water Tic Tac Toe. Additionally, we gave away over 160 cups of lemonade with connection cards and invitations to visit us at church. Reactions overheard include: "This is so cool!!!" "Thank you so much for doing this!!!" "Can I have another one?" "Who are you guys?" "What's this all about?"
There weren't as many canines this time [it was pretty hot], but we managed to give away quite a few doggie biscuits anyway too. Some friends from Parkwood Church joined us giving away free blood pressures. And the mostly musical Connections service in the park did in fact connect us with a guy named Vince. Who wandered up to our pavilion with his guitar and, playing by ear, started playing all the songs with us even though he'd never hear them before!!!

Afterward, he introduced us to his friends at the table nearby all of whom are music students in Toledo and unconnected to any church. Of course we invited Vince to play in the praise team next week at church too [he's really good!!!] so please pray for him and all his friends. Thank you for making last Sabbath a delightful day. And setting aside AUG 14 for our next and final 2010 Picnic with Purpose.

Who Can't God Redeem?

This video by Jonathan Reed was created for the AARP U@50 video contest and placed second. It is based on the Argentinian Political Advertisement "The Truth" by RECREAR. I'm using it in church this week to illustrate there's nothing God can't reverse, fix, or change and no one God can't redeem. What does it make you think about?

PTL Baptism?

Last week in Lake Erie near Port Clinton, I baptized my friend Mike with all his friends in the water with us and more taking pics from the shore as beach goers gawked. I met him years ago in Wooster when I was pastor there and was thrilled that he still wanted me to participate so many years later!

The week before, "Webkinz Tina" was baptized while Pastor Rachel baptized her son Eric [we met both a couple years ago giving away stuffed animals to sick kids in the hospital and they had been coming to church ever since]. But the coolest part of Tina's baptism was Tina's other kids, Crystal and Derrick and Derrick's friend Jamie also decided to be "buried and resurrected with Jesus" through the waters of baptism [cf. Romans 6:3-4]. The seven of us barely fit in the church baptistry tank, but praise the Lord we did!!! Photo courtesies Eric Larson and Jeff Batchelder.

A Welcome Home?

The "Welcome Home" website [click above pic for more vids, pics, and stories] joyfully celebrates the safe return of the courageous members of our armed forces. These kinds of reunions not only make me feel extremely grateful for the freedom we enjoy this Independence Day, it also makes me long for the day Jesus returns when receptions like these will be the norm not the exception to the rule. Take 5 minutes to see what I mean by clicking the triangular play button below. Which reunion scene was your fave? And take a listen to the Independence Day play list in the top right of the page.

S.o.S Haiti?

"We were uncomfortable for a week - they are uncomfortable every day. Life for us here will quickly return to normal, and our week in Haiti will soon be a distant memory that we will re-live through pictures and videos..."—Caryn Wooster, S.o.S Member

You have to see it with your own eyes to believe it. You have to hear it, feel it and smell it to really understand Haiti. On July 10 in the Toledo First Adventist Church, we will better understand the still desperate need of our brothers and sisters in Haiti.

All because representatives from S.o.S.—a Missions Ministry of the New Hope Adventist Church [click triangular play button below for more info] will be with us to share with us what they recently experienced in their most recent return to Haiti. So bring a friend and please bring an offering for Haiti. 100% of monies collected after both presentations will go to S.o.S. and their continuing relief efforts in Haiti. Please watch this video!!! Video courtesy Kumar Dixit.

Wanna Help Us Help the Ohio Tornado Victims?

Volunteers of all ages are pitching in to help Ohio's most recent tornado victims. Deadly tornadoes ripped through Northwest Ohio early morning on Sunday, June 6, 2010, killing five people. Hundreds more are still reeling from the effects of the tornadoes, which destroyed houses, cars, and local businesses.

ISOH/IMPACT [International Service of Hope], based out of Perrysburg, OH, responded immediately to our neighbors in Millbury, the hardest hit town. "We are stretched to our limits," ISOH/IMPACT President Linda Greene said. "With our ongoing relief efforts in Haiti, the needs of our neighbors in Ohio, and the major hurricanes that are predicted to hit, we are really praying that people will step up and join our relief efforts. We can't do it without them."

You can help the families in NW Ohio begin to rebuild their lives. This Saturday June 19 at Toledo First Church, we're going to be collecting an offering to give to this 4-star local charity where 97 cents of every dollar goes directly to the people in NW Ohio that need it most. Should you wish to contribute, you can donate online directly to ISOH by clicking the 4-star icon to the left or make your checks payable to: Toledo First Church. Thanks for helping us help the Ohio Tornado Victims today! Click the other two graphics for more info about ISOH.

A Father's World?

During the early morning hours of June 6, 2010, the most devastating tornado to hit NW Ohio in years took the life of five people including a 4-year-old boy and his mother, a 21-year-old woman trying to take cover at a police station, a woman in her 50s struck by debris while driving and a father in his 40s who left his family protected in the basement of his home. He left to hook up the generator to the sump pump ensuring the low flood plain wouldn't allow water into the basement and to retrieve one of the family's dogs. Sadly, debris from the tornado killed Ted Kranz instead. He is survived by his loving wife; Cynthia, children; Katie, Courtney, and Michael Kranz.

Ted was a member of St. Jerome Catholic Church. In his spare time Ted enjoyed boating, fishing, golfing and tennis, and he especially enjoyed attending his children's sporting events. But it was his daughter's graduation, Katelyn, which was supposed to take place later that same day, to which he was most looking forward. She was the Valedictorian of her senior class. And was preparing to study Pharmacology at the University of Michigan. Because the tornado caused $100 million in damages and ruined or severely damaged 100 houses, including Katelyn's Lake High School, her graduation took place on June 8 at Owens Community College. She didn't give a speech, but did attend and was overwhelmed with the standing ovation she received with her diploma. Her father's death reminds us that this still is a father's world. And when any of ours SO love the world that they end up dying in it, protecting those they love, people of faith and even no faith applaud. Maranatha!!!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Courtesy Lisa Flam AOL News and Witzler Shank Funeral Home and AP Photo/J.D. Pooley

The Waters Swarm?

Brian Skerry is a photojournalist who captures images that not only celebrate the mystery and beauty of the sea but also bring attention to the pressing issues which endanger our oceans. By sharing amazing, intimate shots of undersea creatures, he shows how powerful images can help make change. No wonder Genesis 1:21 says, "So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves with which the waters swarm." Enjoy!!!

Summer Staycation?

Joshua and Lydia have been counting down the days until summer vacation. But before it arrived, he completed his "Adventurer" classes and got his scarf. And both got to sit in Rosa Park's seat at the Henry Ford Museum and learn about segregation. This summer will be a staycation primarily staying in Ohio and making trips to Lake Erie and Michigan. And enjoying long bike rides.

Lines Between Us?

Rajeev Sigamoney [a writer in Los Angeles who believes deeply in art, love & God and isn’t sure anymore if there is a difference between the three] wrote the following short story inspired by a pastor friend Samir Selmanovic. Enjoy!!!

Two men were sitting in a café talking about life. And to be quite specific, their wives. One was a man of middle age and the other a gray haired senior. The middle aged man spoke honestly without hesitation to the other, “I don’t know how you do it? My wife is getting old and there is nothing I can do to stop the hand of time. That beautiful face I remember looking into for hours is slipping away. And all I see in its place is lines and wrinkles. Her beautiful body which I longed to touch with the yearning of youth has been distorted by stretch marks where once only was perfection. So now, every moment I stare at her, I cannot help but get lost in the memory of all she used to be. And in truth, I’m not sure what is left for us.”

The old man remained silent all this while only smiling as one who knew better. Staring into some imaginary space, he finally replied, “I don’t know how you do it? For when I look upon the wrinkles in my wife’s face, I can only see the smiles we have shared together over the years that put each permanently indented demarcation of love there. When I see the stretch marks on her side, my mind is filled with the beauty of our children and all she gave for them, even the greater parts of her perfection. And in all of her so-called flaws, her body has become a map to me of our journey, a map of our history, a map of our love. And because of them, I love her all the more. So now, every moment that I stare at her, I get lost in every inch of who she now is…”

Hearing this, the middle aged man wept. For he now understood that he had not yet truly learned to love.

All Gave Some?

On this Memorial Day, many Americans will place on their grille a hot dog, or a burger, and as they listen to the hiss of the steak or corn on the cob charring just right, they will not recall the sacrifices of those who gave their lives as they frolic around the glowing embers of those hot coals. They will not understand that the families of these heros often sacrifice just as much in their absence or death. Which is what I was reminded of recently when I saw on the bicep of one man a tattoo that read: “Some gave all, but all gave some.”

Desmond Doss was one of those guys who gave all. Infantry men who once ridiculed and scoffed at Desmond’s simple faith and refusal to carry a weapon in war owed their lives to him [click triangular play button below to see why]. He died on March 23, 2006. But his bravery is legendary and his story is still being told. Today, there are numerous Christians in the military. Some carry a gun. Others, like Desmond Doss choose not to. But both decisions take incredible courage. If you or someone in your family has served or is serving in any capacity their convictions allow, would you thank them today?

And remember that: “Love without courage and wisdom is sentimentality, as with the ordinary church member. Courage without love and wisdom is foolhardiness, as with the ordinary soldier. Wisdom without love and courage is cowardice, as with the ordinary intellectual. But the one who has love, courage, and wisdom moves the world”—Ammon Hennacy [Catholic activist, 1893 - 1970].

Mission Trip to America?

Creola's house was falling apart. The West Virginia mountainside was literally sliding into it. And her sewer line wasn't working. She needed help and graciously received it when Toledo First missionaries to America, Keith and Charlene Barr, intervened through the SWAP organization [which stands for Sharing With Appalachian People] that they are partnering with in the coal mining area of McDowell County.
Today, a strong retaining wall is holding the mountain back. A new bathroom and bedroom has been added. And thanks to Toledo First members Dave Case and Shawn Flack, who along with five others spent last week in West Virginia, Creola has sewer again. Though there is no Adventist church nearby, Creaola has started attending another one for the first time in years. Click here to see Shawn's pics on Facebook or scroll below to see a few more of my faves.

The SWAP House is a former coal baron's house from 1911. Keith and Charlene live here and host groups as large as 49 in this house that serve the Appalachian community year round. The concrete veranda and walls needed reinforcement as did the footer supporting the garage. Mindy kept us happily fed and Gail and Barb thoroughly spring cleaned this entire ginormous house on the inside while Larry fixed the fencing for the goats and prepared the veranda for more concrete. During some down time, the mayor of historic Bramwell—once home to 19 millionaire coal barons and their families—gave us a personal walking tour of the town and beautiful homes. Where I finally found a bumper sticker to add to the roof rack. I wanted one that said "West Virginia Mountain Momma" based on the line from the John Denver song Country Roads, but alas, had to settle for a simple WVA. Who wants to go next spring?

Grace to Give and Receive?

Markella's husband Jimmy Joe [behind her in pic below] was the Fire Chief of Kimball and Director of McDowell County 911 in 2001 and 2002 when flash floods raced down the West Virginia mountains being stripped of their trees and coal. But not even he could stop the currents pushing his fire truck down the "street" preventing him from rescuing his family. But after watching nearly all the other brick buildings around her fall down from a second story apartment above the store, her family and friends took weeks off work to help her remove the three and a half feet of mud in her basement after the water receded. Today, her Greek restaurant, Ya Sou [which means in Greek, "To good health!"], still serves grape leaves and baklava and other delicacies and dishes even Roy has grown to love.

Roy is the African American semi-retarded adult foster child I met during our Mission Trip to America last week who does the dishes in Markella's Kimball, West Virginia restaurant. His foster parents died recently and though he can take care of himself, like all of us, he still needs a mom. So months after he started helping around the store, he asked Markella if he could call her mom and she said yes. Everybody who comes to Ya Sou knows Markella and her husband and her kids. But now everyone also knows Roy. This self proclaimed "red neck brother" is one of the friendliest and kindest people you'll ever meet. Click here to listen to one of his fave bluegrass bands performing live in Markella's deli.

The rich young ruler in Mark 10 didn't grasp what Markella and Roy did. But even though he didn't, Mark 10:18 says, "Jesus looked at him and loved him." I wish the Bible added "like crazy" but we still get the point. It takes grace to give and receive.

Mothers Day Movies?

From the Bible, we know that mother's often sacrifice for their children. When Mary the Mother of Jesus said “yes” to the angel Gabriel, she showed both an acknowledgment of God’s love and a willingness to sacrifice herself to bear that love through her son, Jesus. And Jesus, though preoccupied with breathing through the excruciating pain of being crucified, made sure his mother would be well cared for after his death in John 19:26-27. All of which reminds us whether you're a mother or especially her baby, that you are loved like crazy! A couple of current films dramatically portray these themes of sacrificial love. Click the triangular play buttons below to watch the previews and see what I mean.

Think Big Tonight?

Dr. Ben Carson is the director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Childrens Center as well as professor of neurosurgery, oncology, plastic surgery and pediatrics. He’s known as lead surgeon on several high-profile separations of conjoined twins, as well as for his work with craniofacial reconstructive surgery.

Dr. Carson has also authored three books entitled Gifted Hands, Think Big, and The Big Picture. Cuba Gooding Jr. recently portrayed Dr. Carson's life story in the TNT drama Gifted Hands [click triangular play button below for a preview]. Carson is a member of the Spencerville Adventist Church in suburban Maryland but will be speaking tonight in Toledo at Savage Arena @ 7:30pm as part of the University of Toledo's 100 year anniversary. Join us!!!

Dady Dartur Day?

So I staggered into my home office one morning recently. And on top of my computer keyboard, I found this note from my 8 year old daughter Lydia. And beneath the keyboard scrawled into April 13's box in my datebook were these words: "Dady dartur day."

You see, I had promised to eat lunch at school with her on the 13th of each month - the day of her birthday in February. And though sadly, this was the first time I actually remembered to do it, apparently she still loves me. And says she still will years from now. I promise not to miss next month Lydia. Thank you for loving me like crazy!!!

Homer In The Holy Land?

Many of you know Jackie and I were in the Holy Land in January. In this recent episode [season 21 episode 16] of The Simpsons, Homer visits too. Primarily so his Christian neighbor Ned Flanders can save him reminding us that all of us are SO loved by God!!! If you have 22 minutes, a wacky sense of satire, and aren't easily offended, I think you'll enjoy "The Greatest Story Ever Doh!" I did. Especially the tour guide!!!

Can We Recapture the Wonder of the Cross?

Off With A Bang?

The first few months of 2010 have started off with a bang. In January, as part of my sabbatical, we spent a week in Israel. Here we're on the Sea of Galilee approaching Tiberias where the resurrected Jesus appeared to the disciples a third time [see John 21:1-14]. In February, we stocked our food pantry during the Souper Bowl of Caring and raised a few thousand dollars for Murwira Orphanage in Zimbabwe during our Valentines for Africa banquet. We also gave Lydia the choice of having a ginormous 8th birthday party with all her friends from school or a small family only birthday at an indoor water park. Jackie and I were SO pleased that she still wants to spend birthdays with us!!! Also in February, we hosted a Community Ash Wednesday service with three other churches that attracted so many guests we had to put out more chairs in the multi-purpose room and the toboggan run at Pokagon State Park [Indiana] was a 35mph blast! One weekend in March we hosted Alden Thompson who talked about his book Who's Afraid of the OT God? and during another we took the kids to family wedding in Florida [cousins galore!] but managed to sneak in one day @ Disney's Animal Kingdom. My sister Maegan even came with us! Easter falls in the beginning of April this year and ten different congregations in Toledo will be joining ours during a special 2pm Community Good Friday Worship Service sure to prepare our hearts for the scheduled baptisms and miracle of Easter. Also coming in April is the TJA Music Fest in Columbus followed by our Mission Trip to West Virginia!!! Who else loves a little John Denver?!! Take me home / country roads / to the place I belong...BTW, I think there's a few more spots if you want to go on the mission trip to West Virginia APR 25 - MAY 1st [costs $325] and re-build houses. If you want to go, let me know ASAP!!!

Less Than Half At Easter?

While most Americans describe Easter as a religious holiday, less than half of U.S. adults [42%] surveyed link it specifically to the resurrection of Jesus, a Barna Group study shows. At 73 percent, baby boomers (ages 45 to 63) were the most likely to describe Easter as a religious holiday, compared to two-thirds of those ages 26 to 44 and Americans 64 and older. The youngest group of adults (ages 18 to 25) were least likely, at 58 percent, to use that kind of description.

"The Easter holiday in particular still has a distinctly religious connection for people but...the specifics of it are really fading in a lot of people's minds," said David Kinnaman, president of the Barna Group, which is based in Ventura, Calif.

Maybe if we as parents and grandparents spend some time this weekend reading and discussing Luke 24:1-12 this Easter, we can reverse these numbers!!! [click pic of Jackie and me in Israel at Jerusalem's Garden Tomb for more Barna info]

Dude Perfect?

Dude Perfect is a group of college guys that follow Jesus. And they also happen to be YouTube sensations because of their crazy basketball shots. And yes, all their shots are real. Their philosophy has always been: Just because it's hard, doesn't mean it's impossible. Does that remind anyone else of Philippians 4:13? "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Click the pic for more info on how Dude Perfect is using their basketball skills to provide clean drinking water for kids or the triangular play button below to see some of their shots!!!

Are You Uncommon?

Tony Dungy is. And the retired Super Bowl winning coach and now best-selling author was in Toledo this week talking to high school students [and others in the bleachers like me] about what it means to live a life of significance in a culture that is offering few positive role models. Uncommon is an easy read that reveals lessons on achieving significance that the coach has learned from his remarkable parents, his athletic and coaching career, his mentors, and his journey with God. My fave part of his presentation was the Q&A where he described how he has been mentoring Michael Vick and how he decided long ago to unashamedly live his faith even on the sidelines, and how no amount of money could coax him back into football doing what he used to instead of dong what he's doing now: talking to everyone and anyone about living the uncommon life of faith in an often faithless world.

While Joe Gibbs is still my fave coach of all time, Tony is a close second. I recommend this book as a graduation gift for boys and girls this year!!! Maybe you could write on the inside: "Dear BLANK, be uncommon!!!"

Borrowed Lyrics?