SHOPPING LISTS

Saturday was an experience. I was trusted to go shopping on my own. To two shops!!!!!! And I made it back alive, harassed but alive!!!.

Anyway those of you who know my passion for mobile phones will like this latest use. I was so unsure that I would remember to get the six (yes six!!) things asked of me that she sent the shopping list by text. So I spent about 20 mins walking round the shop making sure that I got everything. Isn't technology wonderful!!!!

MONDAY MONDAY

Monday is always a funny day in ministry. It is 'supposed' to be my day off, but it seldom turns out that way!!!

Today it has been filing and tiding the study. How can that take a day you ask, well, believe me it does.

The thing I don't understand is, where does all the paper come from. I seem to get loads and loads of paper.

Now I am worrying about my carbon footprint. When we are supposed to be moving to a paperless society, I seem to be getting more and more mail. whats it all about eh!!

NEW FAVORITE SONG

While in America we went to see a band called Selah http://www.selahonline.com/. They were excellent!!!! They sang this song called Raise Me Up which was sung, among others by some boy band. Anyway because it was sung by them I kinda wrote it off, because I don't like them particularly much. Anyhow Selah did the song justice and it was great and when you can hear the words clearly...very spiritual as well.................

Two Guitars and a Tale To Tell....

Another rehersal tonight....And you know what we may have some video footage of the night available online!!!!!!

WAS THAT LEWIS I SEE BEFORE ME?????

Thanks Lewis...glad you noticed

It has been a strange week re acclimatising to Sunny Scotland. Having only a five days turn around was hard on the jet lag.

Have been in touch with some people from the states and its good to hear from them and I know this will be more permanent communication with them.

But, its good to be back home.

Music!!

We are practicing away for our concert coming up at the end of March. It really gives me so much pleasure to see so much musical talent in the church. Looking forward to it. When we first started trying to do some music there were only 4 people. At the concert there will be some 20 people taking part, and a whole variety of music.

READJUSTING

After being in America, my mind has trouble slowing down. Church wise there were so many things to take in. So much to learn, so much to apply in my own life and the life of the Church. I think it will be a case of watch this space for the moment, until all these ideas settle down.

The theme that Shades Mountain is all about 'Taking It To The Next Level' and as church here, that's what we must do.

Do you get the feeling that there is more to come on all this???

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

Just back from the evening service....again music, talk, all fantastic......Its a great place to be.

How do you count blessings?

From the moment we Sallie and Peter met us at the airport, the blessings have just kept on coming. We have been so well treated, so well looked after. Its impossible to know where to start.

More importantly, we feel that we have been refreshed in our ministry, well supported and blessed. Our calling has been reaffirmed.

I will fill in more details as the blog goes on

Looking forward to coming home.

Fusion Tuesday night anyone??

Alan and Pam

THE SUNDAY SERVICE

Yesterday we went to the lake, seen a great deal of Alabama countryside. Lake House....I just said to Pam...I want one...well I can dream can't I

Then to basketball...what a great sport...but our team (The Blazers) lost. In the last 20 seconds. Then the choir hosted a party for us at a huge house. Pam said she wants one. She can dream as well!!! Even had a putting green in his garden, and a bunker. I joke not.

Today has been Church, a powerful message, fantastic and emotional music. Ideas??? Lots of them.....May we have more change at Knightswood?? Starts off with a great time of worship, then prayer and a message delivered. How do they manage without a pulpit!!!. I think there was some 2000+ people there today. An experience.

Then, myself and Alan Wells talked at Sunday School. Everyone at Shades goes to Sunday School either before or after Church. We had a class of 40/50 somethings to talk with. A good experience.

We are now home for burgers and to relax. I will try and blog again after the service tonight before we head for home.

Alan and Pam

A DAY OF REST

Yesterday was great, the Civil Rights Museum, was quite moving...shopping was...simulating...and then there was the eating...a place called Crackerbarrel for breakfast.....too much food, so much so lunch was cancelled, then dinner with Ricky and Vicky...

The evening concert was amazing, great music (we bought a CD)...powerful message about HIV and Aids in South Africa from a missionary who works there then home.

Today we are relaxing...the American way....This moring we are going to a lakehouse, then this afternoon basketball, then a BBQ with the choir folk who came over to us.

Tomorrw, we are really looking forward to. The church service is 9.30, we will try and get some video......then Sunday school at 11.00am. Here, everyone goes to Sunday School, I have been asked to share. I will explain when we get back how that works. Then the evening service at 6pm. Then off back home.

More tomorrow

Alan and Pam

THE DAY AFTER

We woke yesterday to news that bad storms were heading our way, luckily for us we missed the tornadoes, but sadly there were some 20 deaths throughout the area. Our prayers go out to all concerned.

Yesterday was a good day again. We had a Bible Study with Pastor Dr. Danny Wood...very challenging...inspirational stuff. Then lunch with the congregation, that was good, so many people and a good chance to chat with people. In the afternoon we had a meeting with the Executive Pastor Keith Habermas and had the opportunity to chat about church and how Shades Mountain ticks...very worthwhile.

In the evening we had a meal with the staff and the other missionaries.....see food again......but a good chance to meet some old friends.

Today, we are off for breakfast with the music staff and then a bit of free time for shopping (joy!) and a visit to the Civil Rights Museum. Tonight there is a concert at the Church with a band called Selah with a message from guest Pastor John Thomas from Cape Town South Africa.

Tamara, your hug was delivered

More tom morrow

Alan and Pam

GLOBAL IMPACT CELEBRATION

Well, yesterday was some day. A morning of relaxation was what was needed for the events to follow. We were at Shades Mountain for about 1pm, we had something to eat (we do a lot of that here by the way!) had a guided tour of the building.....HUGE.......took about 2 hours, and that was not all of it!!! Then for a meeting about what would happen during the week...then something to eat....you get the pattern!!

Then the service, we were treated like finalists on a game show. To begin with, we were asked to go five stories up behind the big screen to be revealed to the congregation. The welcome we all got individually was huge. We had to run into the church to be greeted by a roaring crowd....only in America.

Service was challenging, the music great....an experience...and only one of many we are sure.

After the service we met up with some old friend who had been with us in Scotland, it was nice to see them. Then back home for some Strawberry Pie.....

To bed exhausted!!!

During the night we were woken by a thunderstorm you only see in the movies. The noise was frightening!!!! It even woke me (Alan!) and that is saying something.

Today, its Bible Study at 10 am, the lunch with the congregation, a meeting in the afternoon, then a leadership meal at night.......

We will update tomorrow.......If the promised tornado does not arrive......no that's not a joke!

Questions anyone? Anyone want to say hello to anyone here?

And, Tamara, Becky says hello and when are you coming over!

Alan and Pam