2012-02-23
Dear Friends
Our friend Chicken Holder
Life is filled with special moments, and one of the challenges we face is in learning to realize those moments as they happen. These moments come more often than we think, and they are marked with a special joy that stirs something deep within the heart. I had several of those moments on Sunday.
Sundays can be a busy time for me for a number of reasons. I usually rise around 5:40 in the morning and prepare for the journey to Winston. The two hour fifteen minute drive has its own challenges. Mile stacks upon mile at times in a seemingly unending stretch of asphalt. As I scanned the radio stations, I found the broadcast of a country church and found myself experiencing the joy of worship as the preacher declared the good news across the airways.
In our own services, I watch to see much more than just the unfolding performance of our church service. I tune my senses to see where the Lord is stirring individual lives. Such stirring is marked by those unmistakable signs of spiritual hunger and the birthing of a new joy in the experience of everyday life. I know that the Lord is moving when I see people filled with hope and a sense of expectation. It excites me to see that the Lord is moving throughout our fellowship, and it gives me a sense of expectation about the days to come. When I see the Lord moving in the lives of South Fork people, I know that these are special moments, and I can’t help but relish the moment.
On Sunday afternoons, I sometimes experience a total loss of energy as if every bit of strength has been drained from my body. Since my early days in the pulpit, I have experienced the consuming nature of preaching. But this past Sunday was a beautiful day, and I climbed on my motorcycle and just rode. I went through the back roads of Yadkin County and made my way to the top of Pilot Mountain. Obviously I was not the only one drawn to the spectacle offered by the majestic views available on the mountain. The park was filled with people of all ages. For those who experience the world on two wheels, it is often not so much a matter of the destination as much as the journey itself. I thanked God for the beauty of the scenes as I looked across the landscape of North Carolina, but I also celebrated the joy of the road. From the twisting turns of the mountain road to the thrill of motoring down the highway with the wind in my face, it was a grand time.
I rode into the town of Pilot Mountain intending to make my turn south and to return to the church. As I paused at a stop sign there in town, I looked across the street and saw a familiar sight. There was a green 1969 Chevrolet pickup at a gas station. I have known that truck since 1981 when I was just a teenager. It belongs to the father of one of my dearest friends. I spent many a joyful day in the home where that old truck was parked, and each member of that family are precious friends. It is another special moment when I can come cruising up and surprise an old friend.
During the conversation, we talked about that truck. My friend has always taken care of that truck with special attention. Many years ago he had the engine completely rebuilt. About four years ago he had the paint and upholstery restored. The truck looked showroom new. My friend drove that truck just about every day for the first 20 years he owned it, and in 1989 he bought another new Chevy truck, and both are still parked in his garage each evening.
The ’69 has so much nostalgia about it. It has a certain collector’s appeal as well. As with so many things, we often take the attitude that they just don’t make them like that anymore. We talk about the special quality of the past. But when I asked him about the newer truck, I had to laugh when he told me that he had put more miles on the ’89 vehicle. For all of its appeal, there just is no comparison to the features, comfort, and performance of the newer model.
Life is much the same. Our past experiences are special and to be treasured. But there are certainly special blessings to experience today…blessings that we could easily miss if we are always looking backwards. There are special moments in every day…moments that are there to be celebrated. I hope you take time to capture the moments of life as they happen, because they really are a gift from our Lord. Blessings, Pastor Rick
We are South Fork Baptist Church.
This is our church, and we want it to be your church! You are welcome in this place and among these people!
May Meetings
And
Activities
B & G Meeting: May 1 at 7:00 p.m.
Deacon’s Meeting: May 8 at 7:00 p.m.
Oneighty: May 11 at 7:00 p.m.
Mother’s Day: Sunday, May 13—No Evening Service
Multifocus Group : May 15 at 10:00 a.m.
Video Night: May 25 at 6:30 p.m.
Memorial Sunday: May 27 at 10:30 a.m.
No Evening Service
Memorial Day: May 28— Church Office Closed
Take the time to count the number of times the white team passes the ball. All it takes is a little focus. Then find out if you were really paying attention.
On the last Sunday evening in April, we were blessed with a musical concert from the Waymasters. Gospel songs from a previous generation were beautifully shared in the style of mountain music that has been played for generations.
South Fork's people, along with a number of friends from the surrounding community came out and made a fine show of support. The entertainment was of high quality, and blessed our fellowship.
Your generosity was also appreciated. Between the love offering and the small flat fee paid by the church, the Waymasters received $680 for their journey here. A number of you enjoyed the additional time of fellowship with the group downstairs after the show as we gathered around the table for a beautiful array of finger foods.
