Six Years of Joy

It's been six years today.

I have pastored Scottsville Baptist Church for six years.  

As I type those words, I can hardly believe them.

I knew I loved 'em when I met 'em, and happily God has grown that love with each passing year.  They see me—my flaws and gifts—and I see them.  This is no longer honeymoon-stage love:  Six years is a long time.  A long-term pastorate is a gift.  I am grateful.

To celebrate, I wanted to share a few moments of captured joy:

Dorothy was the Co-Chair of the Pastor Search Committee.  As I transitioned to Scottsville, Dorothy said she would look for ways to support me.  
Here's what she's done:
Every Monday for six years (that's 312 Mondays) Dorothy has sent me a note of encouragement.  She often reflects on the sermon or good things going on in the church.  She'll ask how I'm doing or insist I take a day off.  
You can't imagine what these 312 plus emails have meant to me.

This is Easter 2013.  I had been at the church for about four months. 
It was a dreary day, but I'm glad we snapped a photo. 
We were just getting started on our journey together.  

Here we are at my Installation Service.  The Lord called me to Scottsville, and Bill Smith was a big part of the Lord's work.  Bill bent over backwards to help make it happen.  I am grateful for such a wise mentor and friend. 

This is also from my Installation Service.  These pastors have been a source of encouragement, hope, understanding, and friendship.

I don't remember much about our first Deacons' Retreat, but this photo brings me inordinate amounts of joy.  

In late 2013 God called Hallie and Matthew to our church.  I could see Hallie's gifts for ministry right away, and the church called her to serve. 
We designed her ministry to focus on families, and at first we didn't have many but we stepped out on faith. 

And I'm glad we did because God called most of these folks to the church in 2014-2015.  It was an incredible season of growth—thanks be to God. 
We started a Sunday School Class, and a lot of joy was born of this season.

Sometimes we played kickball after business meetings.  That was fun.

In the summer of 2014 we took a trip to Washington, D.C. 
Since that trip I've had the privilege of baptizing both
Robbie Via Sr. and Robbie Via Jr. and officiating two Via weddings. 
The gift of a long pastorate is being welcomed into wonderfully holy moments
in people's lives.

Speaking of holy moments:  I love when seniors and young people bond. 
30-year olds sitting with 90-year olds is our jam.
Our seniors are among the best. 
Some pictured in this post have gone on to glory.  We love and miss them.

Here we are in October 2015 celebrating 175 years
of Scottsville Baptist Church. 

We have had fun with Baptist Men's Day and Baptist Women's Day. 
Here are both our men and women belting out praise to God.
I love that all ages and stages are represented.

Baptist Women's Choir

We've enjoyed leading different genres of music in our worship. 
Pictured above is our Handbellz Group. 
Simply seeing these matching t-shirts reaffirms my love for Scottsville.

I love that the church is open to experiencing various elements of worship.

On December 24th we'll host a Christmas Eve Service. 
It is a meaningful evening. 
We'll share communion, sing carols, listen to scripture, and proclaim Jesus' birth.

As the home church of Lottie Moon, we hope to carry on the tradition of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with the world.  This year we partnered with Virginia Baptists in helping with flood relief in both Texas and North Carolina. 

In September we braved the rain for a Nats game.  Because there were only 10 people total at the game, ushers invited us down from the nosebleeds to sit in the best seats!  Victoria said she could smell Bryce's shampoo. 
Yes it poured cats and dogs shortly after this picture was taken,
but what a glorious 20 minutes it was.

This is a picture from the 2018 Deacons' Retreat. 
I am inspired by their humility and leadership, and I can't tell you how many times I've relied on their wisdom. 
Their listening ears have been a gift to this verbally-processing pastor. 
I am grateful for all those God has called to serve as a deacon.  

These are just a few snapshots.  There are hundreds more.  Thanks be to God for calling me to this place and these people.  

Shipwrecked Boat Destroys Television

I love a party theme.  Any time I can color-coordinate utensils, create table decor, and cheese-up the parsonage in general is a win.  Want an Epiphany photo booth?  I'm your lady.  How about Olympic-themed snacks?  I've got you covered.  Did you want matching airbrushed shirts on family vacation? (This is a goal for summer 2018.) 

So...

when I offered to host a send-off for Bruce & Alessandra, I insisted on a theme.  'Sail Away' was chosen and I was a happy camper since the VBS theme is 'Shipwrecked'!  And thanks to VBS Director, Hallie, I had an anchor, palm trees, and a giant cardboard cutout of a ship with which to decorate.  Mind you this ship is wrecked--so it wasn't exactly sailing anywhere--but close enough, right?

The party came and went (fun!), but as I folded up the 'Shipwrecked' cutout I knocked my television to the ground.  The screen cracked and the television is toast.  Stick a fork in it:  It's done.  

GRRR.  I was so mad at myself.  First:  Why did I insist on a theme?  Second:  The ship was WRECKED.  There would be no sailing in this ship.  This cutout was the antithesis of the theme.  Third:  Why did I not catch the television as it plummeted to the ground?  Fourth:  Why?

Here's the culprit in all its destructive glory

Have you ever been mad at yourself?  Have you ever replayed a mistake or misstep ad infinitum?  If only I'd NOT insisted on a theme; if only I'd caught the television, if only, if only, if only...and this was an accident.  What about those times we're mad at ourselves for good reason?  What about those times we say the wrong thing or do the wrong thing?  GRRR.  I can get so mad at myself.  It can be hard to let go, to move on, to accept forgiveness. 

The Bible theme of VBS is Jesus Rescues.  Starting tonight (!) we have the privilege of teaching children that Jesus rescues us from loneliness, worries, struggles, and wrongdoing.  And perhaps I'll have the opportunity to tell the kids Jesus also rescues us from our inability to let go of our mistakes and missteps--like snapping at someone, holding a grudge, or even something small in the grand scheme (for example:  breaking a television).  I'm grateful for this privilege.

See you this evening!

Emmaus Bound (and I didn't know it)

I was up and at 'em this morning at work on a sermon, but after a few hours I needed a break.  I decided to take a walk to the church, but as a devotee of multitasking I couldn't let this be a mere walk.  Let's make this walk productive! I can pick up a commentary, listen to a ministry podcast, and maybe burn a calorie or two.  Win, win, win!

I did not bat 1000 on this sojourn.  The podcast was okay but nothing to write home about and I ended up forgetting my office key at home.  Boo!  I waved goodbye to my Anchor Bible Dictionary through the window and turned around. 

That's when I ran in to one of our church members, Clarence.

Clarence was on a walk like me, but unlike me Clarence was actually on a walk.  He was unhurried and smiling.  His arms carried tools and supplies.  Seeing Clarence brightened my day.  Together we walked and talked most of the way to the parsonage.  

Yesterday I preached on the Emmaus story, and it occurs to me now that my trek-to-get-100-things-accomplished transformed (thanks be to God!) into an Emmaus walk with a fellow disciple.  

Sometimes I miss the forest for the trees in my quest to serve.  I'm grateful God is gracious to me anyway.  Thank you God for today's grace.

The Gift of Ash Wednesday

One of the gifts of following the church year is joining with Christians throughout the world in worship.  Together we repent, rejoice, grieve, act, contemplate, praise, and give thanks.

Today is Ash Wednesday which means millions of Christians are renewing our commitment to repentance.  What a powerful thought (!)--even more powerful if we follow through.

In worship on Sunday we talked about acknowledging our sin to God.  Confession and repentance are paramount in the life of a Christian.  We also remembered the good news:  God's love is bigger than our sin.  Thanks be to God! 

At our drop-in service today, we've read scripture, prayed, and imposed ashes.  Some of you have shared tears; others have shared hopes for renewal and growth.  I am praying for you.  Scottsville Baptist Church:  Praying with and for you is one of the great privileges of my ministry.  Thank you.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.  2 Corinthians 13:14

A Letter to the Church at Scottsville

In Paul's letter to the church at Philippi, he begins with gratitude for those with whom he shares ministry: "I thank my God every time I remember you..." (1:3)  Paul loved the churches he served, and I echo his words of thanks to the church I serve:  Thank you Scottsville Baptist Church.  

Thank you for the fifth anniversary party.  Thank you for your words and cards. Thank you for your prayers, songs, artwork, slide show, flowers, and gifts. Thank you for the meal (everyone knows the finest of restaurants can't touch a Baptist potluck).  

Thank you for spelling out your love in icing.  You know how I love cake.

I love celebrating anything for any reason with cake.

Thank you Scottsville Baptist Church.  There are many things I love about you.  Here are a few:

I love how you take your faith seriously.  I also love that you have fun.

I love your commitment to worship and your willingness to stretch.

One of the privileges of the pastorate is sharing communion with you.

I love how often I bump in to you in hospital hallways visiting our seniors.

I love your willingness to give rides to the doctor, to youth and children's activities, to the grocery, and to the bank.  

I love how you humbly go about serving anyone and everyone.  I love how you don't want or seek applause.

I love how you learn our children's interests and engage them in conversation.

The children each painted me a canvas and prayed with me.
Pass the Kleenex, please.

I love that you share the table with each other and with me.  Thank you for inviting me to family dinners and birthday parties and fish fries and graduation cookouts and Lumpkin's lunches and "Sunday drives" to the farm, festival, orchard, and ballgames.  Thank you for welcoming me to your home on Christmas Eve and taking me four-wheeling to meet your cows (even when I show up in a dress).

I love how you love the church, and I even love how competitive you are at Bible Jeopardy.

Thank you, church.  I look forward to the future!

The lovely hand-painted prayer the church gifted me.

When You Introduce Me As Your Pastor

I love when you introduce me as your pastor.

Sometimes it's in the hospital room or funeral home.  Sometimes it's at a restaurant or over a meal at your home with friends.  Sometimes you introduce me to the waitstaff or your doctor or a Scottsvillian I haven't yet met. Sometimes you introduce me to family or coworkers or someone you're dating.  I like meeting your mother, your office mate, your boyfriend, your second cousin twice removed; and I enjoy conversation with people new to me (extrovert alert).     

When you introduce me as your pastor, I am reminded of the privilege it is to serve this role in your life. When you say "This is my pastor" it's an opportunity for me to reaffirm those sacred duties to which I am called. It's like my own 'hymn of invitation'--a chance to rededicate myself to God's call on my life; and I hope it's a chance for you to engage folks in dialogue about church and Jesus.

Thank you for introducing me as your pastor.  I love it.

Eleven on Eleven

I can hardly believe it, but Sunday was the 11th anniversary of my ordination.

In some ways June 11, 2006 seems like yesterday.  In other ways it seems like a lifetime ago.

Time is funny like that.

In 2006 I had no idea how joyful this calling would be.  Yes it can be challenging.  Yes it can be stressful. It's both of those adjectives and a few more, but the first, most prevalent descriptor of ministry is joyful.  

At Scottsville Baptist we are in a season of joy and yesterday was no exception; so in celebration of my 11th ordination, here are 11 highlights from June 11:

1. Spirited Discussion of Stewardship in Sunday School.  We're finishing up the book of James.  James doesn't kid around and our discussion didn't either.  The class is serious about faith AND they know how to laugh:  What a fantastic combination! 
   
2. Table Display in Worship.  Our treasurer, Pat, arranged a fun visual display of our tithes and offerings at work.  I suggested my salary might be represented by a Barbie and he took my suggestion!  I loved this.
   
3. "Katie won't let you fly under the radar."  Said by Pat in worship.  They know me!
4. Elizabeth Bennett?  My sermon was about beginnings and endings so I started by sharing famous first lines.  The congregation correctly identified Dickens, Melville, and Genesis 1:1, but took a minute on this one:  "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."  "It's one of my favorites!" I said.  "Must be an Austen" they said.  Indeed.  
5. Baptist Women's Day Rehearsal.  Next Sunday we recognize Baptist Women's Day.  Following worship our ladies rehearsed 'Great is Thy Faithfulness'.  They sang with gusto.  It was great.
   
6. Visiting Katherine's house.  Katherine, one of dear seniors, passed away in October.  Her daughter and son-in-law invited me to Katherine's home yesterday.  "You won't believe this," Dorothy said and then showed me to her mama's wood stove.  Inside logs were neatly stacked with crumpled newspaper nestled in every nook and cranny.  95 year-old Katherine was ready for the first snow!  She carried those logs in herself. Katherine was a fabulous, fierce force of a lady!
7. Party.  One of our families invited me to their son's graduation celebration.  It was atop a mountain with breathtaking views. Tasty BBQ was also involved!  
8. Handbellz Rehearsal.  We focused on theory, listened to Chopin, and learned about the Circle of Fifths.  It was awesome.  Our director is well-versed in all things music.
   
9. 2nd Sunday Fellowship.  Our Discipleship Team kicked off its new '2nd Sunday Fellowship' where all ages and stages eat, play, and learn together.  Bluegrass music and fellowship filled the air. What a great evening!
   
10. 2nd Sunday Fellowship Part Two.  I had no responsibilities at this gathering!  Pastors love when this happens, and it's not because we relish being lazy.  On the contrary--it's hard for most of us to keep our mouths shut!  Pastors are happy because healthy churches have invested and involved laity who are eager to move the mission forward.  Way to go Discipleship Team!
    
11. Conversations. I talked with congregants of all ages about everything and nothing--about baptism and profession of faith, Disney World, camping, worries, excitement, and family members. I even got to "converse" with our littlest ones who freely toddle into my office.  I hope they always feel welcome to come and talk with me.  

Yesterday was a gift.  I'm grateful to celebrate Eleven on Eleven with Scottsville Baptist Church.

We're having a foot washing?

On Sunday I told the congregation we will be observing Maundy Thursday with a meal and foot washing.  Foot washing will be a new-to-us element in worship, so the initial response was the sound of crickets.   

During Sunday School there were questions.  "Does Scottsville have a pedicure place?  Will we wash feet and THEN eat or the other way around?"  We laughed and made some bunion jokes.  

It's all good.  

So why are we having a foot washing?

First:  I understand your hesitance.  Almost no one likes their own feet. Many of us have a hard time even wearing sandals!  Since a foot washing allows someone to not only smell our feet, but also see our tootsies up close—it's a tough pill to swallow.

I get it.   Before my first foot washing I painted my toenails and scrubbed my feet as if they were auditioning for a podiatry commercial. I was prepared.  

The disciples, however, had no warning.  There was no time for a pedicure, and too bad because their feet were probably caked with mud, excrement, bacteria, and more.  Those were the feet Jesus knelt down to wash during supper.

The disciples were in need of a physical foot washing, but even more so—a spiritual washing.  A foot washing reminds us Jesus cleanses us of our sin—from the “smallest” offense to the most egregious of errors. We, like the disciples, are cleansed by Jesus. 

And as hard as it is for us to bare our soles to Jesus, it is much harder to bare our souls to Jesus...so we keep the smelliest parts of us hidden and hope no one notices the stench.  In so doing, we miss out on the joy of forgiveness because we can't bear to be vulnerable...  

which brings me to one of the reasons we're washing feet this Maundy Thursday.  I am naive enough to think it may aid us in confessing our sins—that the act of being vulnerable with one another will aid us in being vulnerable to Jesus.  

It's worth the price of discomfort.

Another reason:  This tangible act is a clarion call to service.  Jesus washed all the disciples' feet—even Judas' feet.  There is no task beneath the disciple.

Maundy Thursday is an opportunity to remember John 13 together.  It is also an opportunity to experience hospitality, love, and forgiveness.  I challenge you, brothers and sisters, to consider joining us for this special worship service. 

You're Normal, Pastor!

During Lent our congregation joins with the Methodists, Presbyterians, and Episcopalians for worship and a simple meal on Tuesday nights. Last night was our night to host, so it was my turn to preach.

On Sunday I preached on forgiveness; however by Monday I was picking at an old wound again.  I confessed as much during my Lenten sermon and one of our deacons piped up "You're normal!"

This made me smile--not because I'm proud of my sin--but because he recognized I struggle just like everyone else.

Part of helping one another grow as Jesus' disciples is saying "me too" to one another.  It reminds us we're not alone--not even the pastor.

Thank You Church Staff!

Following worship today, the church staff enjoyed a celebratory Christmas lunch out on the town! Table fellowship is an integral part of our church's DNA, so we happily enjoyed a couple of hours eating, laughing, telling stories, and visiting. (Shout out to Amici's for the photo shoot!)

Karen is our secretary.  I can't tell you how many people stop by Karen's office each week. Her gifts of humor, pastoral care, and encouragement make everyone feel welcome.  Also she understands and mostly appreciates my "gift" of sarcasm.  Thank you, Karen!

Janice is our pianist.  Janice has built on our strength of people of all ages to plan a Christmas musical involving 2 year-olds to 90 year-olds. I love it!  Janice and her daughter Angela have started a children's choir. Our little worshippers are joyful and learning to lead. Thank you, Janice!

Hallie is our Coordinator of Family Ministries.  Hallie organizes fellowship and fun. She is skilled in equipping others to lead (discipleship!).  Today she shared plans for a hot cocoa bar at church on Dec. 25th.  PERFECT!  Her enthusiasm is infectious. Thank you, Hallie!

Thanks be to God for these ladies.

About Those Behind the Scenes People...

In the church we laud behind the scenes work and rightly so.  Often these workers receive no applause and most don't want it anyway. Accolades aren't their fuel:  Obedience to Christ is.

As a pastor I often get to witness these folks at work and I've discovered it's crowded behind the curtain!  I keep bumping into people quietly serving their neighbors. Gifts of finances, time, listening ears, prayer, meal invitations--these are just a few things.

It's hopeful and humbling.  

The church isn't perfect, but when behind the scenes work becomes the norm the church grows healthier by the minute.  Grateful for the busyness behind the Scottsville Baptist curtain.

All Creatures of Our God and King

Eula has been a member of the choir for 60 years.  Just before our Christmas cantata Eula gave a speech about the importance of choir in her life.  There wasn't a dry eye in the room.  Eula is great, and has a wonderful sense of humor.  

A few months ago Eula led us in worship by singing a solo.  Ordinarily I am seated in a pulpit chair, but that day I sat in the front pew.  The congregation was quiet and engaged until all of a sudden the baptismal curtain just behind Eula began to tremble rather violently.  

I had no time to entertain the thought "Is Jesus back?" because I soon saw a furry paw reach out from the side of the curtain.  

JESUS TAKE THE WHEEL.

Since I am the pastor, I feel like it's my duty to take care of business when something goes awry.  FYI:  I am not really an animal person.  I serve a congregation of farmers and hunters and they know this about me.  Once I was told "Dressing a buck is not your spiritual gift."  I am not one with nature in general.  LOVE nature from afar.  Up close?  No.

Anyway, there's a furry paw in front of me and I'm the pastor and I've got to respond to this situation.  Raccoon, large rat, possum, chicken (furry ones exist I've learned)--who or whatever you are, Pastor Katie is at the ready.

But before I had time to guess what I'd encounter at our River Jordan the neighborhood cat sauntered (no other way to describe it) out from behind the curtain and onto the baptismal ledge--which had then become a literal catwalk.

I nearly died of hysteria. 

I am ill prepared to be serious in such moments, but my better instincts took over. I had a job to do:  Get the cat out of the sanctuary without disturbing the special music. Cat was in full view of the entire church and she was strutting as if this was her one shining moment.  Who could blame her?  Repeat:  She was on a CATWALK.

See baptismal curtain, catwalk, pulpit chairs, and side exit.  Photo credit:  Elizabeth Liebermann.

I devised a plan:  Stealthily dart behind Eula to retrieve the cat--but oh-so-carefully because I was wearing a dress.  There is only so much darting one can achieve in a dress.  I am also short and the big pulpit chairs were in my way--so I would need to climb them without bending over and also lovingly coax a cat down from her baptistery catwalk.  

All of my studies prepared me for this moment. 

My plan mostly worked except the cat did NOT want to leave, so she meowed and tried to scratch me.  I open the side door (which is approximately wide enough to accommodate a Barbie), accidentally slammed it, and the congregation thinks I have fallen and can't get up--all while praises to Jesus are sung.  Shout out to Eula and Janice (pianist) who sang and played the whole time.

I waited until Eula finished singing to reappear from the Barbie side exit to explain what happened.  The congregation erupted in laughter including Eula.  When Eula later told her daughter, Jennifer, what happened, Jennifer bought Eula a cat purse.  A few weeks later the neighborhood cat was seemingly waiting for her BFF Eula after choir practice and voila we snapped this photo. 



Wonderful Eula pictured with our neighborhood cat and her new purse.  Photo credit:  Angela Grandstaff.

Eula, thank you for loving choir, loving cats, and being a great sport!

Handbellz

John Cashion, Music Minister Extraordinaire, introduced the 4th graders of my home church to hand bells.  I'm so glad he did!  John is an excellent teacher and a lot of fun.  Thank you, John! (Thank you also for being patient as I gingerly removed NKOTB buttons to prevent bell clanking.)

You can imagine my joy when I found two octaves of hand bells at Scottsville Baptist!  In November I mentioned starting a hand bell choir to Hallie, our Coordinator of Family Ministries. Her response: "I'm in.  Let's do it.  Can we be ready for Christmas?"  Hallie's enthusiasm = on point. 

We invited the church to join in and as it turned out a hand bell all-star was in our midst!  Michael, our leader, has years of experience and is well-versed in the hand bell lexicon.  We learned nuances like Shelley ringing, damping, and shaking.  Others joined us and we now have a bonafide hand bell choir, or as I like to call us:  Handbellz. 


Handbellz lead in worship on Pentecost. 
 Back (L to R):  Matt Earman, Hallie Earman. Front (L to R):  Lisa Turner, Victoria Melander, Katie McKown, Matt Stone, Stephanie Stone, Erin Goolsby.  Leader: Michael Goolsby
 


Erin is working on Handbellz t-shirt.  Someone wondered "Where would we wear a Handbellz t-shirt?"  The better question is "Where wouldn't we wear a Handbellz t-shirt?" We're having fun.

We are players of all ages comprised mostly of millennials.  Who would've guessed that?  I love it. We are helping one another learn and look forward to playing more often.  It's a privilege to help lead in worship. 




Handbellz Rehearsal.
Perhaps you're wondering "Are there people playing in the baptistery?"
The answer is yes. Shout out bass clef. 
Shout out also to my Washington Nationals Coffee Mug
 

Handbellz:  Behind the Music. 
Stephanie (L) and Hallie (R) prepare the foam.

 

Worship Guide for a Snowy Sunday

Hello Scottsville Baptist Church!  Since we will not be gathering for Sunday worship at 690 Harrison Street, I wanted to provide you a worship guide to use at your home.  Feel free to tweak!

The peace of God be with you! 

Opening Prayer:  Invite everyone gathered to say a sentence prayer giving thanks and praise to God

Hymn:  Sing a verse of a favorite hymn or praise song

Scripture Reading:  Luke 5:1-11 (our passage for next Sunday)  

Reflection Questions and Thoughts
For Children:  Tell about a time you went fishing.  How did you catch fish?  How did Jesus tell Peter to catch fish?  How many fish were caught when Jesus was in the boat?  In verse 10 what did Jesus tell Peter he would catch?  Why did Jesus tell Peter he would fish for people?

For Adults:  What do we learn about Peter in this passage?  What do we learn about Jesus?  How does this story intersect with your life?  Consider how God might be calling you to follow.

Hymn:  Listen to a favorite hymn or praise song.
For Children:  Color the story while listening.  Print out a coloring page here (adults can color too!)

Joys and Concerns:  Share prayer requests and praises.  Pray for our church.

Here we are!  Photo Credit:  Elizabeth Liebermann

And finally...enjoy table fellowship!  Bonus points for those who prepare fish for lunch or dinner (fish sticks count!).

See you soon!
 

Your Tears Are Welcome Here

When people cry in Sunday School, worship, my office, or anywhere else I often say "Your tears are welcome here."  Crying is part of life, and we tear up for all sorts of reasons. It is natural the church collects so many.

Today I cried mid-sermon.  I can count on one hand the number of times this has happened.  A year ago I would have been embarrassed by my tears, but not so much any more.  Baptisms, funerals, professions of faith, silent suffering, strife in the world, sickness, prayers, weddings, worries, the return of a prodigal--these moments are the creators of waterworks, happy and sad.

I could feel a lump welling in my throat for a minute or two, but one sentence in particular was the culprit: "Jesus healed the untouchable with a touch."  That Jesus heals with what we simultaneously fear and hope for is grace.

But to be fair I think these tears had been welling all week.

Dedicating a baby to the Lord will do it.

Spending a week with Romans 8 will do it.  

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

Watching a gaggle of children in biblical garb will do it.  

Making Advent wreaths with the church will do it. 

Sharing table fellowship with Buildings and Grounds will do it.  Praying with Karen will do it. Talking to our missionaries in Arizona will do it.  You never know when tears will surprise you.

So whether you are crying tears of celebration, mourning, doubt, gratitude, or conviction this season, know you have a place at Scottsville Baptist. Your tears are welcome here.

All of My Life I Have Attended Scottsville Baptist

(Note:  A version of this testimony was shared by Pat Pitts at the 175th Anniversary program.)

All of my life I have attended Scottsville Baptist Church.  Church and Scottsville Baptist are synonymous with me.  On Easter Sunday, 1955, along with two friends, one of whom is here today, I walked down the aisle to be received by Pastor John Elliott and officially joined the church and gave my life to Christ.


Pat singing in the children's choir (Pat is in the second row on the far right)

One Sunday morning many years ago we had a confrontational episode in Sunday School.  It was haunting and worrying me greatly until the worship service as I waited in the back to help take up the offering I literally felt God's presence say to me "Don't worry, it's all going to be alright."  Truly a burden was lifted from me...


Pat (in yellow) and his VBS class (2015)

I have seen God at work through our former pastors and I now see and feel God's presence in our pastor and the wonderful things that are happening in our Scottsville Baptist Church.  I feel certain we can have another 175 years of successful and meaningful ministry in our wonderful, little town. 



Pat and his wife Baxter enjoy the choir party.

Whistling While They Work

This morning I bumped into someone new to our church.  She introduced me to a friend and said, "This is my pastor, Katie" and then "Katie, I was just telling my friend about the church!"  I love when people are excited about church.

When I returned to the church, I was headed for my office but took a detour downstairs.  Two young moms were happily painting cabinets in the nursery.  I walked up the stairwell where bulletin boards had been covered with fresh, flashy fabric.  In the kitchen a daughter and father were unloading zucchinis for our weekly food distribution.  I then peeked inside a Sunday School classroom to see piles of jackets for a coat drive. When I finally made it to my office I was grinning from ear to ear.  It wasn't even noon and my day was made.

Yesterday wasn't too shabby either.  INSPIRATION ALERT:  Our oldest member (95!) insisted on scrubbing floors to help prepare for our 175th anniversary.

(Warning: This picture may make you weep with joy.)

Awesome.

Our church is in a vibrant season of ministry.  I am grateful.

It's Christmastime. Let's celebrate!

The next two weeks we're celebrating Christmas in July! 

 

Why?  Because we're Baptists and we can do whatever we want. 

(Just kidding.  I stole this idea from a Methodist!)  In the hustle and bustle of December, we can sometimes miss the meaning of Christmas.  I wanted us to carve time out this summer to focus specifically on God's gift of Jesus.  Make time to read Luke 2:1-20 before Sunday.

 

Last night I hung the JOY banner in the vestibule. When I planned for us to celebrate Christmas in July a few months ago,  I had no idea what JOY would be in store for this Sunday. 

 

"B" is the letter of the day!

 

The BAPTISM of Noelle Stoner.  We rejoice with Noelle and her parents at this decision!

 

  

The BUSINESS MEETING of Scottsville Baptist Church.  We will celebrate God's leadership, and how the Spirit is at work among us. 

 

The 95th BIRTHDAY of Katherine Dansey.  Katherine's family is providing a lasagna for everyone.

 

 

And of course BABY JESUS!

 

I had coffee with one of our new members this week and she remarked "There's a lot of life in the church!"  I agree, and I'm grateful.  God is generous to us.

 

Since it's the Christmas season, I thought I'd celebrate some of the JOY and glad tidings at Scottsville Baptist this year. 

  

Open House at the parsonage.  Fun snacks, fun people. 

Susan and Edna at the Ecumenical Picnic

The Community Easter Egg Hunt at Dorrier Park

Bubbles and Dewey cut a rug at the Valentine's Day Party.
 

Celebrating Pentecost!

The Great Kickball Game of 2015 when I shouted at a real person "You're not going to tag out your pastor, are you?" 

A trip to the Nats game!

Listening to the children's choir from Uganda
 

Choir Party at Janice's house! 



Koinonia Class celebrates the upcoming arrival of baby Goolsby with a turkey dinner!


The great news is more JOY is on its way. 
Merry Christmas in July!