I love Jesus' whole idea of "the church"--calling people out of the world to be together to love and serve Him together. I have traveled to so many places and have seen, heard and experienced so many congregations--most very good, some great and inspiring, but none so great as the congregation I am privileged to serve in--Calvary of Albuquerque. I realize this is just my opinion--the bias opinion of one man in one place. I suppose being under the weather the last few days has got me thinking a bit about this. I have been reading and re-reading Paul's letter to the Colossians for the past few weeks, to really get it under my belt. As I was reading along, I came to two verses that beautifully pictured the church at Colosse and describes the church at Albuquerque. In chapter one, "...The truth of the gospel which has come to you, as it has in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit..." (Col. 1:5-6), and in chapter two, "rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving." (Col. 2:7). The wonderful thing about our fellowship is the constant growth and fruit. Every project, whether to the poor of the community or to the nations of the world or to the kids in Sunday School, people step up and give themselves to help, to serve and to support--this is the fruit of a healthy church. I hate it when I am unable to be there--like this weekend (resting at home and hoping to feel better), and I love especially the chance to talk with folks before and after each service and throughout the week all over town and hear what God is doing with them.
The pictures in this post below depict both the "root" and the "fruit", the past and the present. The first shot above was taken in the early 1970's when I was attending Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa. This is the tent we met in while our building was being constructed. Here is where I got my roots, where I became, "rooted and built up in Him." The second shot below is from our last 4th of July--this is the "fruit" of God's work through the years. I feel like the most blessed man on the face of the earth to have seen both and to experience the love and joy at Calvary of Albuquerque.
6 comments:
We missed you tonight (although chip was great) and we hope you feel better soon! We love you and Lenya too! ~ Monty and Maellen
I just want to let you know that my first true "root" church was listening to you everyday. I rededicated my life and walked away from the catholic church. By the time I started going to my brother's church, I already had a strong foundation and the pastor's messages were baby food to me. I started teaching in the kids ministry only after 6 mo of being there. I am now at a great church. The one Abba wanted me to go to in the first place. I know that the people I effect and help up here in New York will be from you and your church throwing the seeds to the uttermost. Drink lotsa fluids, stay warm, don’t work! Shalom :0)
I also hope you feel better soon! ..the flu is not fun.. not fun at all. =) hope to see you next week! Take care Mr. Skip!
"The Greatest Pastor I Know Of"
We, the congregation at Calvary of Albuquerque are blessed to have such a loving and caring Pastor. You are truly a gift from God. Thank you for the wonderful years you have dedicated to the Churh.
Eva
thanks Skip! I love that you are so dedicated and passionate about your work. Thanks for being our pastor and being true to the call! My life would be completely different if not for you.
Sweetness. I love what the Lord has done, is doing and will continue to do through Calvary Albuquerque. As of those sent out I do miss my home church but I am grateful that I was rooted and grounded in the faith at Calvary Albuquerque under you Pastor Skip. Your work continues through many people and locations around the world including San Antonio, TX.
God Bless! Hope you are feeling better!
Jo Jo Marquez- Calvary Northwest San Antonio
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