WORSHIP CENTER RENOVATION UPDATE #2

This is the second article related to our Worship Center Renovation. Even as I am typing this article, some plans are still being made and fine tuned. So let me speak about what we know for sure. No one will be concerned at all or have questions about the change of our carpet. It has lasted 15 years and is now, because of the humidity, wrinkled in more places than it is not. It has stains that carpet professionals have not been able to remove. It is time. New carpet led to a new paint color for the walls. So now would be the time to sand the walls and woodwork, caulk and re-caulk the stain glass windows, fix cracks in the walls etc. It is not JUST putting on new paint. Just painting the ceiling is a major task requiring the best of professionals. Our renovation team and the consultants have come up with a lovely color for the walls.   

Direction of Renovations. 

Imagine a line like this:

Elegant    Classic    Traditional           Comfortable    Casual   Contemporary

Our last renovation 15 years ago leaned more toward the elegant, classic, traditional side of the line. We have never been elegant…we were just leaning that way. We certainly were a more traditional looking worship center. We are really not a traditional church. We are more comfortable and casual. We are far from what some would call fully contemporary. We are a younger, more casual and comfortable church family. It is reflected in our ages, our families, our ministries, our music, our values and our mission. Our last renovation 15 years ago took us from an early 1960’s look to a 1980’s kind of look. This renovation will still look lovely, warm and inviting. A great example is Victory Baptist Church on Woodland Shores: a very conservative church with a wonderfully beautiful more contemporary look. We really are looking to reflect who we are now and who we will be for the next 15 years.

A Final Tribute to the organ. Fox music installed our Allen organ back in the early 1960’s. They had just become Allen distributors and they believe we were their first Allen customer. The organ has been in disrepair for years. Years ago, one visiting organist said he would never agree to play it again because it was in such poor shape. The Hunts paid to have someone try to repair it. They were not successful. They were among the very few who could work on that type organ and now they have gone out of business. The Allen organ we have is an “analog” organ. It is the same technology as the old TV’s with rabbit ears. Those were analog. Almost all of us now have digital televisions. It is the same technology as the very old cars and buses with governors to control the engine. Our organ is actually in the Allen museum. Really… no kidding. It is so old it is in a museum. Fox music and the Allen Organ companies told us no one would ever buy our organ; it was not likely to ever be repaired; and they did not want it even if we would give it to them free of charge. Have you tried to give away an old analog TV? Goodwill, Habitat and the Kidney Foundation will not take them. You can only take them to the garbage dump or maybe sell them at a yard sale.

 Fox and Allen did offer to sell us a new organ. You know what they call it? A keyboard with a midi. It is a digital keyboard capable of making organ music better than our Allen organ. Guess what? We have one. We have used it on occasion to play organ music. Currently the Korg Keyboard is being used upstairs in the weekly youth worship service. It is available anytime someone would want or need an organ sound. The organ was a fine instrument in its day. So was the Studebaker automobile last made when we bought the Allen Organ. It is not who we are. We live in a digital age. Not many drive a Studebaker with a governor. Fewer and fewer people still watch an analog TV. Likewise, not any thriving churches are playing 55 year old organs with governors. So, soon and very soon, the organ will be making an exit from the stage. We are grateful for the way it served faithfully for years and blessed by those who played it well. Finding someone who plays the organ is very difficult. They are a rare and dying breed. By the way, my favorite song to hear on the organ: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.


See you Sunday, Pastor Tom

RENOVATION OF THE WORSHIP CENTER

Today’s article is the first out of four to share the current renovation plans.  We have not shared the plans before since we did not have plans to share.  Once the process began, we followed the same process we have for years.  We make sure we have approval and complete buy in of Pastor, staff, Renovation Team, Elders and then the larger Leadership Team.  Here is how the process began. 

Several months back JIBC received a very generous financial gift.  Shortly after that we received yet another.  This allowed us the opportunity to think about replacing the carpet in the sanctuary/worship center.  Perhaps you have noticed the terrible wrinkles just about everywhere in the worship center?  It is caused by the extreme temperatures and high humidity.  There was really no good way to repair the carpet, although we have addressed the problem.  You may remember we replaced the old boiler system (yes, I know it seems crazy that we still used a boiler system in the 21^st century).   We now have a controlled, updated, efficient heating and air conditioning system for the worship center.  No more lighting the boiler on cold mornings or draining and refilling the water tower when we need the air conditioning.

So, replacing the carpet led to the need to change paint color and repair cracks and unfinished wall repairs.  If you have ever done a remodel project, you know it is like pulling a small string on a sweater.  Once you start, it is hard to find a stopping place.  We were encouraged by our Elders to go ahead and think about fixing, replacing, repairing, updating everything that needed to be addressed. So we put together a renovation team to begin the process of putting a plan together.  It included myself, Dean Kelly, Pam Bingham, our Hispanic Pastor, Claudio (he is a paint contractor) and Pastor Sean.  Once this team started moving, they brought their ideas to the staff for input and help.  Once we had basic colors and fabric, we gathered with the Renovation and Team, Elders and Staff for further input.  This process took a month or longer to come together.  Word would start getting out that we were planning to renovate because we would include other church members by asking for their opinions and input.  But there were still no plans to share.

Bring in the experts.  Once we got the basics of the renovation plans in place, we called in others to help us.  And will still be calling in people with expertise to help us.  One example would be Church Interiors, Inc.  This is the company that the Southern Baptist Convention recommends to churches considering building or renovating.  They sent their consultant to look at our plans.  He did and he liked them.  He also, like pulling that string I talked about, made several more recommendations of remodeling.

Each week for the next three weeks, I will write an article about the renovation and why we are doing it.  Keep us in your prayers. To God be the glory!

Pastor Tom

A Personal Word of thanks:  You may or may not have heard, that our 30 year old daughter, Erin, went into full cardiac arrest on Wednesday, May 27.  Some of you are still learning about our family.  Our oldest child is our son, Bryon; then Brook; and then Erin.  All are married and are the parents of our 8 grandchildren.  Erin Wilkins, our youngest, is in MUSC-CICU.  As I type this, she is waiting to have an internal defibrillator put in.  They do not know what caused the event.  They know she is at risk of having it happen again.  She has come miles and miles from that horrible event at the playground.  Thank you all for your prayers, love and support.  Your love reached beyond our family to feed us, families in the waiting room and many nurses.  We are deeply grateful.  Pastor Tom, Janie and our whole family.

YOU WANT TO ATTEND THIS ONE

I HAVE OFTEN USED THIS PHRASE: Anyone can curse the darkness, let’s be people who light a candle. In other words, it is easy to moan and groan about how bad things are in society. And I do believe there is a lot wrong. Sometimes those who moan, groan and complain actually think they are making a difference. We can do a lot more beside complain, criticize and be sideline critics. Growing drug problem…JIBC attacks head on with programs for children, youth and adults. Teenagers facing unbelievable challenges…Pastor Sean leads his team to take on every tough issue our kids are facing. Families in decline…your church family is charging in on every front to strengthen and help those looking for help. Personal crisis of past trauma, shock and hurtful events…we have partnered to have a part time professional counselor on staff. Curse the darkness? Not hardly. By God’s grace your church family is taking on the most difficult challenges in our community. To God be the glory. This is His work. No right-minded people would take on such challenges. Many will circle the wagons and simply pray “Come Lord Jesus”.

SPEAKING OF PRAYER…What a segue! Governor Nikki Haley is leading a charge that I want JIBC to fully embrace: A Call to Prayer For a Nation in Crisis. On Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the North Charleston Coliseum, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. From 9-10 is a Youth Rally with Music. From 10 to 4 is a time of Scripture reading, prayer and worship. There is no preaching, no pontificating, no politicians, no church promotions, etc. This is a sincere and devout call to prayer. Prayers will be built around repentance, reconciliation, revival, reformation and refreshing. You may drop in or out for any part or all of the day. IT IS A FREE EVENT, BUT YOU WILL NEED TICKETS BECAUSE THERE IS LIMITED SEATING.

Again, tickets are free, there is no charge for this event. But this is a call for all churches, all denominations, all believers…so seating will be limited. You can check out more information and get your tickets at www.theresponsesc.com

You do not have to just curse the darkness…here is something very specific you can do! Pray.

Pastor Tom

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: JOURNEY OFF THE MAP (June 15-19)

Every year churches across the country participate in Vacation Bible School. And for good reason: It is a leading tool in reaching children before they have to be rescued. There is probably no other ministry and mission that results in boys and girls coming to know Christ. Think about it this way: great Christian music every night; loving teachers prepared; scripture memorization; heartfelt Bible stories; fun crafts and recreation! What’s not to love?

A SLIGHT CHANGE IN THIS YEAR’S VBS. We are trying to focus all of our attention on children this year. So we will not have the Adult VBS as we have in the past. We are encouraging all adults to volunteer to lead, teach, help, greet, serve, or pray. We will have a prayer team this week that meets to pray for every child by name. And, we are going to not have a youth VBS this year. Many, if not, most of our youth are ready, willing and able to volunteer to help in VBS. This has not always been the case. We have a very solid group of youth and Pastor Sean feels they are more than ready to serve! The week right after VBS our youth will go for an intensive week of mission and discipleship at Fuge Camp at Ridgecrest, North Carolina. Be in prayer for this life changing event.

You can volunteer for one night of VBS, a few nights or all week long. Be a part of the greatest evangelistic children’s ministry of the year!

AWANA AWARD NIGHT: WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 6:30-7:30

You cannot beat this line up. The all time favorite Wednesday night dinner…fried chicken! The dinner will be followed by a celebration award night for all our Awanas. Marie Smith, Commander ReRe, and her team continue to do a spectacular job year after year. This night will be a good way to culminate a year of work and fun. Come on out and enjoy the best meal in town and see the children get their awards.

Warning: there is a rumor that Charles Wiggins and yours truly will be doing their last performance of the year this night. I thought this was a “one and done” for me. I am pretty sure there should not be a Rocky 3! I feel like me singing is like watching Nascar…there is going to be a wreck, you just don’t know when. To God be the glory and let’s make a joyful noise.

Pastor Tom

FRUIT INSPECTION: I Can Do Bad All By Myself

We are currently in a series of messages based on Galatians 5:22-23, the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:19 and following list the works of the flesh. This list refers to our sinful nature and lists things like sexual immorality, hatred, jealousy, angry fits and the like. There is an old Tyler Perry movie title that reminds me of this list: I Can Do Bad All By Myself. Our old sinful nature, the works of the flesh, are things we can do on our own, actions and attitudes that are motivated and empowered by our natural, human nature. It takes little or no effort to let these works rule or control our lives. We can, as the movie title suggests, do bad all by ourselves.

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit, found in Galatians 5:22-23 are motivated and empowered by our new nature, by the Holy Spirit of God. These are actions and attitudes that do not come naturally to us. They come, as it were, supernaturally, by the Spirit of God. The motivation and power is from our surrender to God, our filling with the Holy Spirit. It is quite natural to say something like “I am not patient”. That is very accurate and understandable. Empowered by our old, human nature, we probably are not very patient. It is a new experience, with our new nature as followers of Christ, to say I can do all things through Christ Jesus. Now, empowered by Him, I can be patient, kind, gentle, loving, joyful, etc. It is no longer me, but Christ who lives in me and enables me to experience the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

This past Sunday we spoke of the fruit kindness. Kindness is love expressed. It is not just the action of love, but the attitude behind the action. This is what I like about kindness: we don’t have to agree on anything to be kind to one another. Christ in me and in you is the hope of kindness. The command to be kind to one another can be kept because of Christ in us. Otherwise, I can do bad all by myself.

See you this Sunday, good Lord willing…

Pastor Tom

My Daily Bible Reading

From time to time I like to change up my Bible reading habit. As long as you are reading His Word, I think almost any plan is a good plan. But here is what I am currently doing. This week, for instance, I am reading Psalm 19. I will read this same Psalm each day, all week long. Each morning my goal is to spend some time reading, thinking about, and applying this Psalm to life. About the third day of reading, I will pick up a commentary and see what others are saying about this particular Psalm. If I didn’t have commentaries in my library, I would do the same thing by googling. There are more resources online that I could ever have time to use. Then I try to find ways to share the Psalm. I might use it to open any meetings that I lead. I look for opportunities to share insights with those I meet with. I know I could cover more ground by reading a Psalm a day or by trying to read through the Psalms in a month. I have done that before. But for now, I am enjoying reading one Psalm, every day, all week. After that, I read the Proverb chapter of the day. There are 31 chapters in the Book of Proverbs. It works out that you could read one chapter for each day of the month. The day I am typing this is Monday, May 4. So, it was Proverbs chapter 4 for today. Proverbs 4:23 happens to be one of my favorite verses: “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Then I will try to add a New Testament passage. Reading and meditating on God’s Word is one way I try to guard my heart.

If you are looking for a more systematic way of studying the Bible, I would suggest one of our Sunday Connection groups. For example, during May, our Sunday Connection groups will be studying what the Bible says about relationships…making relationships stick. What a great on-time message from God’s Word to God’s people. So, back to my earlier statement: as long as you are reading His Word, I think almost any plan is a good plan.

See you this Sunday as we continue our series on Fruit Inspection, Galatians 5:22-23.


Pastor Tom

What's Going On...

MINISTRY MANAGEMENT TEAM MEETING 

We are planning for a Ministry Management Team meeting on Wednesday night, May 13, beginning at 6:30. This will include Staff, Elders, the Renovation/Decoration Team, Ministry Team Leaders and Deacons. Come and enjoy the Wednesday night dinner from 5:30-6:30.

PRAYER FOR NEPAL 

Thank you for your loving response in praying for Nepal. Prayer and love are always appreciated. We have former members who serve as missionaries in Kathmandu, Nepal. We had immediate word that they and all their teammates were safe. As always, in times like this, you can safely make financial contributions to our Southern Baptist International Mission Board. Please check them out at www.imb.org. They are featuring articles about our work happening right now and there is a special message from our IMB president, David Platt. They also show you how you can donate on line. Another resource that you may consider is Franklin Graham’s Samaritan’s Purse. You can check them out at www.samaritanspurse.org. If you do not have access to check them out on line, call the church office. If you make a donation through JIBC we will make sure it gets to them. You may also want to consider the American Red Cross. They also are quickly responding to the Nepal earthquake victims. Check out their work and service at www.redcross.org.

TASTE OF JAMES ISLAND 

Just a reminder about this Saturday’s annual Taste of James Island. You can drop by anytime from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. You do not have to stay for the whole event. Come by for great food, fun and fellowship. Many of the churches of different denominations will be present and participating. The event takes place behind James Island Christian Church, just off of Folly Road, behind Arby’s. It will be great and the weather should be perfect.


See you Sunday, good Lord willing,

Pastor Tom

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23