The Official Information Site for GCF Members

To all the card-carrying, bona fide member of GCF, I have a favor: would you please let me know how often you read this blog. Since I am using it as the information site for the church, I want to be sure that you are getting the info.

Thanks very much!!

Your Pastor

A Special Prayer Request

Douglas & Valorie Chance called to tell me that their next door neighbor's son, Gabe Grimsley, 13, was killed last evening while driving his 4-wheeler. Douglas & Valorie were very close to this young man and, consequently, are very saddened. Please remember to pray for Gabe's family, as well as for Douglas & Valorie.

Blessings to you,
Your Pastor

Today's Service

Among other things, it was not sprinkling; it was raining (maybe even cats and dogs!) but it did not rain on our gathering together today. I can't speak for everyone, but I don't think anyone was sorry they "weathered the weather" to get to our service today.

As I hope you know, the message was entitled "The Normal Christian Life" but I don't think anyone came away knowing what "normal" really means, other than the fact that it does not mean what the church-at-large wants us to believe. To be sure, the normal Christian life is not the "apple pie in the sky" kind of life that many would have us believe. Even a casual look at Paul's life reveals this (his having received 39 lashes five times says something!)

From what I have been able to see and to experience, the church needs an Acts 16 "earthquake" to wake it from complacent notions about the Christian life.

Regardless, when we see Him it will be worth it all and that is for certain!

Your Pastor

A Church Loses its Pastor

As most of you know, I have been involved with death since I was a mere child and could barely see over the embalming table; consequently, I have attended many funeral services--far more than most. I really wish I had kept a journal, for the sole purpose of making a record of everything I have witnessed in this profession. Believe me, I have seen much!

Today, I attended the funeral of Pastor Rannie Gaultney, and in doing so I saw something that I had never before seen, at least not in the way I saw it today. In September of 1979, I was ordained into the gospel ministry at Horeb (can you believe it?) Baptist Church in Talbot County, Georgia. Interestingly, Rannie was the pastor of Horeb at that time and, consequently, he not only served on my ordination counsel, but he also played a major role in the service itself. As you might imagine, he holds a special place in my heart.

This is what I saw (in a different way than I have ever seen it before) and it really touched my heart: a congregation grieving the sudden loss of their pastor. Watching the tears fall from their eyes; listening to their broken hearts; realizing their sense of helplessness; hearing their deep-seated hope for their tomorrows; and listening to their expressions of confusion and pain really gripped my heart.

Right now they are in shock and justly so, but tomorrow will come and decisions will have to be made, not the least of which is who will be the next pastor. Rannnie founded this church in 1983, and has served as its pastor since then; consequently, this will be new ground for them to travel. They will need our prayers and love and support.

Rannie said on many occasions that he would never retire from preaching because he believed that when God was finished with him, He would retire him, and his words proved to be prophetic. Rannie went to sleep the other night and the next time his eyes opened, he was in Heaven--the place He has longed to see for more years than a few. This is good--very good! Wonderful! Par Excellent!

Let us not forget, however, that there is a small group of people in Taylor County whose pastor is no longer among them and they miss him, and they will miss him tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day, and the next day. Somehow, God designed it that way, or so it seems.

I am privileged to have known Rannie and to have been his friend, but I am even more privileged to be your pastor.

Pensive,
Mac

Sunday's Sermon: The Normal Christian Life

Continuing our study of the Holy Spirit, it is my intention to address the following topic this Sunday morning: "The Normal Christian Life." To be sure, I have no idea what "normal" anything is, but I do know that what the church has presented as the normal Christian life is as far from the truth as I am from one of the black holes in outer space.

I also know this: without the Holy Spirit, there is no Christian life--normal or otherwise.

I also know this: if the church started presenting the normal Christian life in a manner that portrays truth, rather than in a manner that attract crowds, most would think twice before "signing on" as a Christian.

It is, to say the least, strange to see how the "normal" is being portrayed as the "abnormal" and the "abnormal" is being portrayed as the "normal."

I am looking forward to seeing you on Sunday!

Your Pastor
PS: I enclosed the picture to give you an idea of what a "normal" garage looks like!

A Prayer Request

My granddaughters' paternal grandfather, Russell Ray, died about an hour ago, after a lengthy battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Although they were able to tell him good bye, this will be a significant loss for them, as they loved him very much and he certainly loved them.

I would appreciate your praying for them, as the Holy Spirit places them upon your heart. Of course, I also ask for your prayers for Sandra (his wife) and for Craig (his son), along with the other family members.

Thanks,
Your Pastor

Some Secrets Just Cannot be Kept Secret!

It is probably best not to tell everything you know, especially when most of it is has to do with yourself; even so, I am going to take the risk. The picture you see here was taken in 1958, when I was sixteen years old. The people in the picture are (l-r) Bobby Bell, Diane Powell, Hollis Goodroe, Mac Goddard, and Annis Brunson. I think most of you know Annis rather well by now, and I think you also know me (or you think you do) but the rest you do not know. Recently I sent a copy of this picture to Hollis, who at the time was my best friend. We grew up together and I mean together. We spent time together--lots of time. We attended school together--all 12 grades! We spent hours in the very spot where this picture was made; the kids today would call it "hanging out." I have no idea how many RC Colas and Moon Pies we consumed in this place--the local drug store.

Interestingly, Hollis responded to my email that had the picture attached, with the following: "I can not place that scenario at all. I recognize everyone, you guys and Diane Powell and Bobby Bell. But I neither remember the situation nor the setting. Oh well."

I found that hard to believe; nevertheless, I reminded him and in doing so I am sure I jogged his memory. Anyway, what he did remember was quite interesting, so I thought I would share it with you: "But talking about how long we have been friends. The Goodroes moved to Reynolds in the summer of 1946. We have pictures of my 4th birthday party in Reynolds; by that party I had met you and Jimmy Windham. We had all played together. That would mean that we have known each other for 60+ years. The weird thing is that I can remember a lot of things from my very young childhood. For example, I can remember things we did together before we ever started the first grade. I remember quite a few things that happened in kindergarten and I remember the first day of Mrs. Ogburn's class very vividly. I remember talking to Rebecca Mims that day and Gene Brunson and you, and being concerned about how mean and tough Mrs. Ogburn was going to be. You told me she taught your Dad many years earlier."

Now for the secret that I suppose I need to tell you but please promise not to tell anyone--please. Cross your heart and hope to die? OK, here goes with the rest of Hollis' story: "It was not long before Mrs. Ogburn had my desk on one side of her, yours on the other, and Gene's in a similar proximity. I remember telling Mom that Mrs. Ogburn moved our desks close to her 'cause she liked the three of us better than the other students. I don't think Mom bought that but at least I tried to put a favorable spin on it, I suppose."

Until now, no one has ever known that I was one of my first grade teacher's pets, so much so that I got to have my desk right next to hers!

Remember your promise!!

Your Pastor