This Sunday we start a new series. One I'm very excited about. iCrave. We'll be thinking about temptations, cravings, and the things we want in life.

Now, let's be honest. Some of the things in life we want are perfectly fine and good. Safety. Good job. Food on the table. A decent place to sleep at night. A few good friends. A cell service that is actually dependable.

But how is it that we can even turn our good wants, needs into something sinister. It's easy to start looking at the homes of others and think, "I wish I had that . . ." Or, how many times do we find ourselves competitive with our friends (even when they don't know we're being competitive. And cell phones. Don't get me started on humanity and cell phones. It seems we have a tendency to take our wants, convert them into great needs and involve jealousy, envy, greed, and other dark emotions.

That's why we begin this series with a look back at one of the earliest stories in scripture. The story of Adam and Eve. It doesn't matter if you think Adam and Eve existed or if you think this is a nice fable. The story teaches us a great deal about you and me--even in our advanced and technologically progressive lives.

Here's the scripture text for Sunday (Genesis 3.1-13):
Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God say, “You shall not eat from any tree in the garden”?’ The woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; but God said, “You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.” ’ But the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not die; for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God,* knowing good and evil.’ So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.

They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, ‘Where are you?’ He said, ‘I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.’ He said, ‘Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?’ The man said, ‘The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate.’ Then the Lord God said to the woman, ‘What is this that you have done?’ The woman said, ‘The serpent tricked me, and I ate.’

I'd like to know what you think about this passage. What does it really tell us about us? Anything? Nothing? I'll be posting in a day or two about some of my early thoughts before Sunday. If you say something that inspires me, I may even give you credit.

Looking toward Sunday,
Eddie

Posted by Eddie Rester at 9:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

A group of Parkway Heights members traveled to England with Bishop Hope Ward to tour important historical sites in remembrance of Charles Wesley's 300th Birthday. Charles wrote over 5,500 hymns as a part of the Methodist revival movement. He was the Chris Tomlin/Matt Redmond of his day. This is our final Summer Reflection piece. I hope you've enjoyed them. Say thanks to Biker Dave for all his great work on these. The hardest part was getting them on YouTube so we could tie them to the Blog. Enjoy!

Posted by Eddie Rester at 4:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Our Navajo VBS team went to Utah this year and did a great job working with a group of about 40 children for the week. Here's their story:

Posted by Eddie Rester at 4:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

For seven years, Parkway Heights has traveled to Honduras to work with small villages. I've been privileged to travel with the team 3 times. It's an awesome way to watch God work. Here's what we did this year:

There are two more summer reflection videos. I'll get them up this week. er

Posted by Eddie Rester at 7:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

For the past 10 months, we've partnered with Woodley School, just a few blocks from Parkway Heights to provide support for the students, faculty, and staff. This video shows a little bit of what we've been about.

We'll be continuing this partnership in 2007-2008, so watch for opportunities to be a part of this great ministry.

Posted by Eddie Rester at 6:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

This Summer, we've been reflecting on the mission our church has been about over the past few months. Biker Dave figured out YouTube, so we're going to put the videos up. Here's the first one about Buras, LA.

We're continuing our work with this church, so watch for your chance to go to Buras to help out. Special thanks to George Gillespie and Herbert Hart for putting this trip together.

Posted by Eddie Rester at 6:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Deane Pierce has spent the month in Malaysia (and is coming home very, very soon). Here's the latest update:

Hey my wonderful church family and friends!

I have just completed my third week in Malaysia. I cant believe it has gone this fast! Classes are still going great. I continue to make relationships with these children. We have been cave diving and to the water park with them on the weekends. Let me tell you..its a blast to take 80 plus children on field trips:).

I want to ask for your continual prayer. These kids continue to ask questions and they want to know more. We continue to answer questions. Some seem really close to making decisions. But the truth is, those decisions probably wont come while we are here. These kids are set in their religions. All we can do is answer questions and show them Christ's love and what he did for us and make them want to be a part of that. Our duty here is to form relationships and plant seeds and we have accomplished that!

Continue to pray for our team, as we start to get homesick... and our families as they start to miss us. But most of all pray for these kids and the people that will impact them after we leave.

Thank you again for your prayer! When I get back I will tell you about my trip in much greater detail! I love you all so much. I couldnt have come without your prayers and support! I cant wait to see you in August!

In His Grip,
Deane
Galatians 2:20

 

I'll be posting about why funerals are importnat and asking for your thoughts on prayer later this week!

Posted by Eddie Rester at 11:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

We've talked about the shifts that have happened around us and around the Church (the entire church), making the world we live in a very different place. My wife found this video recently and it kind of stuck with me.

Let me know what you think.

Posted by Eddie Rester at 7:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Deane Pierce is serving as a short-term missionary in Malaysia during July. She's sending home dispatches from the front. Here's what she has to say this week:

Hey All! Here is an update: The children arrived this past Sunday. ESL camp (English as a Second Language) started this Monday morning. I was put in charge of the advanced class for listening and speaking. The advanced students are actually the easiest class because they understand the most English. I have them for about an hour and a half everyday. We listen to a story and then they have to answer questions and then get up and tell us something about it (we usually play games to make it fun!). Some of my kids are much better listeners than others. I have decided that it is a good thing that I am no longer an elementary education major:). I love children but teaching is not my thing.

God is doing amazing things here! I have about a million stories that I want to tell you but I dont have the time! I promise to tell you EVERYTHING when I get back. But here is the most amazing story. Every night we do devotions with the kids in our dorms. As you know, most of these children are not Christians. They are not required to "make decisions" but they are required to be respectful...even if they dont really listen. Well, in my friends Micah, Mandy, and Josh's dorm, the kids are listening! One night (I think it was Tuesday) after devotion, the kids started asking amazing questions. From "is God good looking" all the way to "why does God want us to go to Hell." I am overwhelmed by their questions. They are starving for answers. This is an amazing thing. They are told not to listen to the "God stuff" but just to learn English. God is moving in them! They are continuing to ask questions day in and day out. And it is just the first week! We still have two more to go. There are several that we feel are real close. I will give you their names so you can pray for them by name: Mashell, Jenny, Ameil, Kohei (who is actually on staff here) and Dino. These kids are all in the "fast track" class which is above advanced so they speak English very well and it is easy for them to understand the messages we present. Just continue to pray for these and all of our students. And pray for us, that we will have the right words to say when they ask us these are questions. One girl, Jenny, actually asked Mandy "If I dont ask Jesus into my heart, will I go to Hell when I die?"... Im kinda glad she didnt ask me. I dont know if I could have told a young girl yes to that question. So just pray that they will continue to ask questions and that we will continue to have the answers! I will send some pictures soon.

I cant thank you enough for your prayers and notes to my mother. It has been very encouraging! I love you all so much!

In His Grip,

Deanie

Matthew 28:18-20

Eph. 4:7, 11-12

Col. 4:2-6

Keep Deanie in your prayers.

Posted by Eddie Rester at 9:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In August, our focus in worship will be on our cravings. What is it that draws us? tempts us? lures us? What are we willing to give our energy--emotional and physical--to get, achieve, or avoid? As we prepare for worship in August, we need your help.

Scripture is full of stories of people who were snared by their own cravings. David had Bathsheba. Paul had a mysterious "thorn in the flesh." Samson had Delilah.

Paul, in Romans 7 cries out, "Why do I do the things I don't want to do and don't do the things I need to do?" All of us struggle with cravings and desires. Some of them are healthy (I love to spend time with my daughters). Some of them are not (my craving for chocolate these days can't be good for my teeth, waistline, etc.).

How do we deal with our cravings? How do we locate the ones God desires us to have. We'll look at scripture from all over the Bible during the month of August as we deal with this topic.

To help me prepare, I have a few questions:
- What scriptures come to mind here for you on the topic?
- What do you crave (good/bad)? (I want an iPhone so bad I can almost feel it against my ear)
- What do you think God wishes we craved?

Let me know what you think.

Posted by Eddie Rester at 4:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

A news article in the Hattiesburg American has implications for our church. The Parkhaven Neighborhood Association is considering asking the City Council to be designated as an historic district.

Here's the article:
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070707/NEWS01/707070303

What do you think?

Posted by Eddie Rester at 11:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

We're continuing our Summer Reflections taking a look at Luke 10.1-11.  This month our journey allows us to consider what it means to truly be a disciple of Christ. 

Here's our passage for this Sunday for you to ruminate and pray over:

After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house!” And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the labourer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, “Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.”

Some questions to consider:

• If we're going out as lambs among wolves, who's protecting us?  The scripture doesn't mention a shepherd . . .
  
• Why wouldn't we want to talk to people along the road?
• What does it mean that these good Jewish disciples of Jesus must eat whatever is put in front of them?

That's it!  See ya Sunday!

Posted by Eddie Rester at 10:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Deane Pierce is at the end of her first week in Malaysia. She's writing home occasionally. To help all of us remember to pray for her, I'm posting updates on her trip.

Here's what Deane has to say today:

Hey Everyone!

First off, I want to thank you for your prayers in the many months leading up to this trip. I have been praying as well. I know my worrysome mother appreciates it also. It really makes me feel so much better to be covered in prayer as I have been.

Here is an update:

I have been in Penang for a little over four days now. Unfortunately, the weather is just as it is in Hattiesburg, but it makes me feel at home! So far all we have done is get acclimated to our living situation and bonded with our team. We are preparing for classes which start Monday (its Friday here now).
I will be teaching an advanced English class for ages 7-11. It sounds difficult but the advanced kids speak more English so they will be easier to communicate with. We will teach Mon-Fri from 9-1. In the afternoons they will do different workshops like music or drama. I am helping with music (dont worry, I wont be singing!). Then they will get together for big group games. On the weekends we will take them places like water parks and caves to go cave exploring. This will last three weeks. Then we come home!
The living situation is super easy. Its not what we are used to, but as far as mission fields go, it is the Hilton! Its a small apartment with a bunk bed (my roommate is my best friend Brittany, who my mom has been praying for as well) with community bathrooms (yay!).
I will figure out how to email some pictures (I dont have my mom to help me here!) to give you a better idea.
I will continue to keep you posted! Thank you again for your thoughts and prayers but please continue to pray! Our students arrive Sunday. Pray that God will guide our words and that they will have open minds and hearts to recieve what God has us say!

In His Grip,
Deanie
Colossians 4:2-4

Please remember to pray for Deane and her work in Malaysia!

er

Posted by Eddie Rester at 10:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The family and I are in Memphis, gathered with members of my extended family to celebrate the 4th. Tonight we'll attend a Redbirds game which will followed by fireworks and ooohs and aaahs. My observant six year old started the morning at breakfast by asking, "Do Christians celebrate the 4th of July?"

Great question. Which requires an answer.

The straight-forward answer is yes. Christians can and should celebrate the fourth of July. We are blessed to live in a country where we can worship free from government coercion. Our country's economic and political strength gives us a unique position in the world. We are truly blessed so that we can be a blessing.

But, as we celebrate the birth of our nation and our citizenship, we need to also pause to remember that no matter how proud we are of our citizenship here; no matter how patriotic we feel, our ultimate citizenship is always somewhere else.

Paul says in Philippians 3.20, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." Paul doesn't say, "one day our citizenship will be in heaven." He uses the present tense. Now. Right now, we are citizens of heaven. So, we hold dual citizenship. But, when push comes to shove and we have to decide between the two (and there are times when we must), we are called to choose the values of heaven. That is our primary citizenship.

People ask me from time to time why we don't display the flag in our sanctuary. My response is that we do display it at appropriate times of year (Memorial Day, the 4th of July, Thanksgiving), when we are honoring and celebrating our citizenship in specific ways. But the rest of the year we gather to worship remembering that our citizenship is in heaven. And the symbols we have in worship are from that Kingdom and that Kingdom alone. What are those symbols? The cross, the dove, and other symbols that remind us of our God and his son Jesus Christ.

So, do we celebrate the 4th? Absolutely. I will be tonight. I will sing the anthem, and share stories of our country with my children.

But when we gather on Sunday, I will sing the songs of that Kingdom and make sure my children know the stories of that Kingdom, too.

Have a great 4th of July. Stay safe. I'll see you Sunday.

Posted by Eddie Rester at 8:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Sunday following early worship, members were invited to join in praying for Deane Pierce as she prepared to leave for Malaysia for a month of mission work. Check in here for news about her trip and progress.

The word today is that she has arrived with her team safely in Malaysia. She and the team are at the boarding school in Penang.

We praise God for her safe arrival and look forward to what God will do in/through her in the days ahead.

Whenever I get an update, I'll pass it along.

Posted by Eddie Rester at 1:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)