Invitation to a Journey

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Secular preparations for Christmas seem to begin earlier each year. In the United States at least, Christmas decorations start appearing in stores before Halloween. Yet despite this early start, Christmas seems to be here and gone before we know it. Sometimes Christmas passes and we don’t feel any different. The pace of life just increases while we continue to work and go about our everyday activities. It may be that the key to Christmas making a difference in our lives is for the Advent season to be different. The more we move out of our regular routines, the more different Advent and Christmas are; the better our celebration is, the better the rest of the year turns out.

Continue reading "It's a Christmas Conspiracy!" »

Christmas questions. . . we all have them.

“What will I get for Christmas?”
“Who can I kiss under the mistletoe?”
“Just what is ‘Figgy Pudding’?”

Continue reading "Christmas Questions" »

I did a wedding on Friday in the rain. It was humid, muggy, and we were outside under a tent. I was in a suit and tie – hot and confined by too many clothes! Normally, I don’t get nervous, even though I am always hot. However, on this muggy warm evening my glasses fogged up and I couldn’t read my notes!

Continue reading "The Vision and Mission of Christ’s Church" »

On my way to church a few weeks ago, I drove parallel to some cyclists riding in a triathlon through the country-side of our township. This race had started and was ending at the park-like Centennial Terrace entertainment venue across the road from our church.

Continue reading "Demonstrating Praise" »

When you love God your whole heart, you’ll desire to give all you are when you worship Him. It’s fun to uncover – to our modern-way of thinking – unusual, but very powerful ways of adoring God.

Continue reading "Adoration of God" »

A life filled with reverence for God is a life filled with passion and promise. . . and that’s the only life worth living. Reverence is our heart’s attitude toward God. It’s about being in “awe” of Him. It’s about a holy trembling when we’re in His Presence. It’s about humbling ourselves before His magnificent glory, and it’s about rejoicing with a holy delight when we think about Him or talk to Him or worship Him.

Continue reading "Passion for Worship" »

Lent is a time to remember and observe the days leading up to the death of Christ on the cross - for you. This is a special season to help you reflect on - and prepare for - the Resurrection of Jesus, and what that event means for you personally.

Continue reading "Lenten Meditations - 2009" »

As we approach our Commitment Sunday on December 7, I have had several conversations with Quarry Ridge folks about what “sacrificial giving” really means. Most people have said something like: “I’ll give what I can afford.” Some have said, “I’ll give all I can afford.”

Neither are really correct; can I teach you about this?

Continue reading "What is “Sacrificial Giving?”" »

Secular preparations for Christmas seem to begin earlier each year. In the United States at least, Christmas decorations start appearing in stores before Halloween. Yet despite this early start, Christmas seems to be here and gone before we know it. Sometimes Christmas passes and we don’t feel any different. The pace of life just increases while we continue to work and go about our everyday activities. It may be that the key to Christmas making a difference in our lives is for the Advent season to be different. The more we move out of our regular routines, the more different Advent and Christmas are; the better our celebration is, the better the rest of the year turns out.

Continue reading "Meditations for the season of Advent - 2008" »

Christmas Teaching Series OVERVIEW

“Stop the ride! I want to get off!” Ever thought this way at Christmas?

When the Christmas season comes around, we strive to create the “perfect” holiday, but unfortunately, find ourselves trying to live up to unrealistic expectations. The result is that we begin to act and feel like the Grinch or Ebenezer Scrooge! When the season is filled with anxiety, frustration, and disappointment, it seems like we can’t wait to get to December 26 and put Christmas back in its boxes and get our lives back to normal.

Continue reading "From Humbug to Hallelujah!" »

On Sunday mornings starting October 12 and going through November 2, Quarry Ridge will use the run-up to the Presidential Election to have some fun as we study serious topics and look at the really important issues.

Continue reading "Hail to the Chief!" »

I rarely take a political stand from the pulpit, and I try very hard to not bring up issues that have the potential to divide us as brothers and sisters in Christ. However, when I feel strongly about something that has implications for our spiritual health, I will bring it up and will try to talk about it in ways that can lead to meaningful conversations, in hopes that our spiritual lives can be improved and enhanced while not damaging relationships.

Continue reading "Expelled - No Intelligence Allowed" »

Christmas is barely past; the New Year has started with a bang, and our lives seem to be locked in fast forward.

I need to slow down a bit, and reflect on the season of Christmastide. So much happened in the rush of our holiday observances. Even more happened in history 2,000 years ago, and all of it happened on my behalf and yours.

Continue reading "Don’t let your "glorias" end at Christmas!" »

Ever heard the old adage: “In for a penny – in for a pound”?

Basically it means if you’re going to commit to something a little bit, you might as well commit entirely.

If you’re going to invest a little – then invest all the way.

Continue reading "Included" »

Silence is hard for us. In worship, it’s virtually unknown. Yet, silence is a part of worship.

In 1 Kings 19:9-13 the prophet Elijah learned about being in the presence of the Lord. God told Elijah to meet Him on the mountain. When Elijah got there, a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks. . . but God was not in the wind.

Continue reading "Honoring God's Character" »

At Quarry Ridge, we have attempted to design our worship celebration to teach, challenge, inspire and entertain both Christ-followers and spiritual seekers. No matter where someone might be in their journey of life and faith, I believe seekers and followers can glean important things from their time with us in a worship celebration.

Continue reading "Worship and Spiritual Seekers" »

There are many forms of praise shown in Scripture. Nearly every form of praise involves action – and many involve making noise! In our worship of God, we are able to show Him our love, adoration and respect by utilizing one or more of these more recognizable forms of praise.

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150)

Continue reading "Praise" »

OK – I know I’m a little weird on this point.

I’m one of those people who can worship almost anywhere. Most of the time, few things can distract me. That’s not the weird part. . . what’s weird is that although nothing usually distracts me, there is one simple thing that tends to trip me up all the time.

Continue reading "Readable Lyrics in Worship" »

You are created to worship. . .

We’re to be a worshipping people, glorifying and praising God every day (Psalm 150, John 4:24, Hebrews 12:28).

Remember - you were planned to praise God!