HCLM BLOG

A blog post by Pastor Jon

Pardon the title. I understand that it may not be that big a deal for some but for me, it certainly has consumed a great deal of my thoughts and prayers over the last several months. I thought I could give you just a glimpse of the process of calling our worship coordinator.

We were so fortunate to have Eddie Kaufholz with us for three months which enabled us to take our time in preparing for this next staff position. What a great gift to not have to rush this important process. In October, we drafted our job description, laying out our dreams for this position. Then came November and the traditional “beating of the bushes” which meant meeting with worship leaders and pastors, getting the word out that we are looking, in a word, networking. In all, I had 23 different people apply for the position. After speaking on the phone to almost all of them, I met personally with 8. Excuse the March Madness reference, but we took the 8 and prayerfully made it down to the final four.

Each of those individuals had the opportunity to lead worship in January. Each of them also spent an hour with Pastor Paul, Betty, Eddie and I answering the same questions. I then spend more one on one time with them, talking about how they fit into the ministry of Holy Cross. Taking the input from the interviewing team, listening to the music team as well as a number of members who wanted to share their thoughts, we bathed the final four in prayer and after discussion at our Executive Team and Worship Team meeting, we felt unanimously that God was calling Daniel Robison to be our Worship Coordinator. I am truly humbled that God brought so many wonderfully, talented people from which to select. Many people said, “I am glad I don’t have to make the decision.” I am glad that the decision has been made but even more thankful that I can see God’s hand throughout this process.

Some may not realize that this is starting as a part-time position. While the time may be limited, I am excited to see the things that God will do through his leadership. Please take a moment to welcome Daniel this Sunday.

So this year's Thanksgiving was a little different. Yes, it was the first one that Margaret and I celebrated as husband and wife. And it was the first one where we used our fine china for the first time. We also had the opportunity to host to Margaret's father who was down for a few days visiting from Lake City. He hadn't been feeling well and by Friday morning, we were on our way to the VA and from there to the hospital. He had to have his gallbladder removed. We were so glad that he was with us. I would have hated to think about how long he would have waited in pain before he took himself. I was also very thankful for the doctors, nurses and all the equipment, tests, lab work that goes on when you bring someone in. It was amazing how it can put your mind, at least a little more, at ease.

In the time waiting in the hospital, I was thinking about another book I had just finished, Fearless by Max Lucado. Life, death, economy, violence (need I go on?) permeate our thoughts. One of Max's thoughts really gave me pause. He spoke of pregnancy and all the things that are happening to a child in the womb. They are growing hair, a nose, a tongue and many other things that, from the perspective of the womb, are totally useless. It's not until we are out to we realize their benefit. Could this life have some of the same features? Could there be some things in our life that seem meaningless now but will show to be of great benefit in eternity? It's worth thinking about. And while the weather is cold (at least by Florida standards), it's worth curling up with a good book. If you struggle with fear, this would be a good book to get you on the road to freedom.

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving! And Margaret's dad is doing much better now.

I finished reading "The e-myth revisited" by Michael Gerber. I heard about the book on a podcast that I was listening to and because I was on-line at the time, was able to check out the Seminole County Library and put a book on hold (what a great idea). The book is essentially a business book talking about how to take a business from infancy through adolescence to adulthood. As I was listening to it, I realized that there are a lot of connections with the church and even life itself. It is far too easy to get passionate about an idea only to have that idea soon control you. (How many small business owners do you know that own a job rather than a business?) Jesus has a much better model for life...and it is summed up in a word...freedom. So many reasons to give thanks, a beautiful wife, a great home (thanks to the dedication and decorating skills of the aforementioned wife), authentic relationships with friends and a mind that craves to understand the mysteries of God.

Many thanks to a member who after the service this past weekend went to Home Depot and replaced my stolen weed trimmer. I am often just humbled by the generosity of the people here. Did you hear that Holy Cross gave out over 300 Thanksgiving Baskets? Judging by how it all came together, it was truly a new version of a few loaves and fish. So what a great gift to give the community, over $12000 worth of food. I am so proud of what God is doing in the hearts and the lives of people. I can really see people maturing spiritually (infancy through adulthood). Which brings me back to the book...if you have found yourself in a rut where life seems to be controlling you, pick it up. It's worth a read.

Happy Thanksgiving!

It was a month ago when I was driving up to Gainesville to visit Margaret's father who was in the VA Hospital. Kevin Keelan called me and asked if I had any book recommendations for him since he was getting ready to go on a long road trip. I gave him two (I can't remember what titles I recommended) and he really enjoyed one and said I should blog about books that I have written. "I'm not Oprah and who would care what I like?" I said to him. "Think about it." I did, and finally, I'm taking the time to write a few thoughts.

My goal is to read (or listen) to 52 books this year. I did 40 last year and 35 the year before that. So I've come across some really good ones and some that I didn't think were so great. So if you are looking for some reading material, I'll post some thoughts on the books that I am reading.

I just finished reading my fourth book from Andy Andrews. All ("The Travelers Gift" "Mastering the Seven Decisions" "The Noticer" and "The Lost Choice") are based on his life story, having lost both parents when he was 19. Through a series of decisions he found himself living under a pier. Considering the meaning of life, it is just a roll of the dice to see who gets what, he began to read biographies, a hobby that changed his life. He discovered some universal principles that have guided his life. Each book takes a new look at these principles in creative ways. He is a much sought after speaker and his books have been on the NY Times best seller list. I give all of them my READ THIS category. But remember, I'm not Oprah.