Showing God's love to people in ways that will change lives is what I'm about. I try to do this in the way that I plan and lead worship on the weekends at Friendship Community Church and in the ways I connect with people daily.

I have been interested in reaching people through starting new churches for quite awhile now. Two churches that have started in the past 3-4 years are the Liberty Community Church in Manassas, Virginia, and Higher Hope Church in Horseheads, New York.

I have had the opportunity to get to know Thom Redmond at Liberty Community Church and some people from the church here at Friendship initially went down to help on some of the opening Sundays. I haven't had the opportunity to get to know Mike Schooley of the Higher Hope Church but it has been my pleasure to get to know him and his church by the hours of looking at video footage and editing it for this video presentation. These churches are unique yet each looking to touch people for Jesus in their own communities, and around the world.

This video was prepared for presentation at the denomination's annual conference (Churches of God Eastern Region of the General Conference) on April 28-30, 2008 at Doubling Gap Center, Newville, PA. I tried to make it a presentation that would help those present there gain insight into these two churches, and I hope that along the way it might touch others about the need to plant new churches and for all of us, as individuals, to take the time to reach out to someone in the name of Jesus.

So I invite you to watch the video, it's over 13 minutes long which I know is a long time for online viewing, and see what you think. And if you want to get involved in church planting let me know and I'll help connect you.

What a weekend this will be! First of all, let me just say, as my family and close friends know, that I am not a painter/construction person/or handy person in any way.

Friday night at 6 PM and Saturday morning at 8 AM we are having Painting Parties here at Friendship Community Church. Parties I understand, but painting is not my thing. But I want to support what is happening and all the people who will come and do know how to paint, so I will be here for the Parties.

I will move stuff and make coffee and do little things ... but no painting. (Maybe I'll surprise myself...but I doubt it.) I will be reminded of how important it is to help and support others.

I do look forward to the burgundy walls that will be adding color in the lobby. I am so glad for the hallways to be brightened with a fresh coat of paint (5 1/2 years since we moved into this building is a long time in "paint" years). And the front of the worship center will no longer be white...it will be a better background that will draw attention to what is on the screen and what is on the stage. Yes, the front wall will be black like a theatre set would be. It will allow us to bring people's attention to God's word on the screen, lyrics of praise and worship, and just watch how our cross on the stage will "pop" with color when it is against a black background.

So yes, I am looking forward to the finished project, and to talking with and helping the helpers all weekend. Sounds like a God thing to do.

And if you are a painter, or willing to serve those who are, come out and join in the fun.

It's primary election day here in Pennsylvania today. I voted about 8 this morning. My duty is done, my choice made. While driving I heard someone call in to a radio station with who they supported. She called one candidate "delusional" because they thought they could change the world. I laughed for a moment, and then thought how important it is to want to change the world. In the movie "Ark Almighty" the main character's campaign was about changing the world. All of us can change the world, one act of kindness at a time.

I probably won't propose any sweeping changes to the health care situation or the tax structure or environmental problems but I can look for someone to help today...and then tomorrow and the next day. Jesus is glad for politicians and everyone else who will reach out to others in His name.

I've been reading an interesting book called "Summer of Light" by W. Dale Cramer. One great quote from it (page 153) comes after the main character, Mick, asks The Man With No Hands (an interesting character description of a former addict) about his having "Got religion." He replies:

"Religion is what regular people get in order to stay out of hell. People who have already been to hell don't want religion, they just want to know God."

It is so easy to get in the way of Jesus. The things we say, the things we do, can so often distract others from seeing the real Jesus. This video shows us an answer...we need to say we're sorry.

The last couple of weeks my life has slowed down because of the cold/cough I have had and still have. Maybe that's what took me back to finish this video project of pictures of my early days in the 1950's up into the mid 1980's or so. "This Life" is one I want to keep living with my family and friends and for God.