Ten Things I Think

1. I think that the church in America is really going to miss Jerry Falwell. He was a bit too political for my taste and I certainly have not always agreed with him or his approach, yet I know that He loved God and people. I know that he was often misunderstood. This side of heaven we will never know the impact that he made in God’s Kingdom. I know that his contribution is enormous.

2. I think that as our Rockstars Children’s Ministry and Shockwave Student Ministry continue to transition they will arrive at a place where our children and students are being ministered to in an accepting and wonderful environment where they can grow to love God and people and it will be a place that they would be happy to bring their friends.

3. I think that Jordin Sparks is going to win American Idol. I think that Melinda Doolittle is a better singer, but Jordin has more appeal.

4. I think that our immigration issues are much bigger than L.A., California, and even the United States. I believe that there are Kingdom ramifications. Please pray for our lawmakers. Please pray for God’s will to be done.

5. I think the San Antonio Spurs have turned into the Detroit Pistons of the late 80’s and early 90’s.

6. I think that you could hear weeping and wailing from my house last night as Gilmore Girls went off the air for good. Okay, it wasn’t that bad, but Amy is really upset about losing her show.

7. I think that, for a church our size, we have a ton of musical talent. Some of that talent is untapped. If you are interested in playing or singing in our church’s band…keep your eyes open for upcoming auditions. William Hung need not apply!

8. I think doctors need to make up their mind. Should we take vitamins or not?

9. I think that next year’s presidential election is going to be close and I can tell you that when I look at the Republican candidates…none of them knock my socks off! Boring!

10. I think that every man in Venice ought to do their best to go on the Road Trip this year. The trip gets bigger and better every year. You guys do not want to miss this.

Marriage Seminar

It is exactly one month until our marriage seminar with Don & Sheryl Rooks. I know that it will be a fun and informative time. We will learn a lot and be encouraged. I encourage all adults to attend. You do not have to be married!!

The seminar will run from 9:30 AM until about 3:00 PM. We will break for lunch at about noon.
Please sign up at the information center on Sunday. We will be providing lunch. We need to know how many to plan for.

There are many interesting calendar things coming up. I would encourage you to check your handout each Sunday and our website for updates.
venicechurch.com

Next week in Touching Base: Ten Things I Think!

Living the Legacy

I am very proud of our new “branding” as Venice Church. Our new printed material turned out amazing. From what I am able to gather, most if not all of you, are proud of it as well. It is a new era at Venice Church. We are making a concerted effort to be relevant in our community and in the 21st century, however we are still Venice Baptist Church. We are an independent, Bible believing Baptist Church. Our desire is to be a biblical church that leads people to faith in Jesus Christ and that teaches them to honor God with their lives by growing to be like Christ, serving others, and by sharing the good news with others.

This is who we have always been. Our church was started in August of 1927!! We are turning 80 this year. It is a tribute to God’s faithfulness that we are still here. God has blessed this church in amazing ways over the last 80 years. We give Him praise and honor for His wonderful blessings on Venice Church.

As we pay tribute to God we should also pay tribute to those who have come before us here at Venice. God has used faithful men and women to lead in this church and serve in this church over the years. There are no two people more worthy of notice than Pastor Omer and Alyene Norris. Pastor Norris led Venice for over 30 years. God called him home shortly after he retired from Venice. This past Sunday evening Mrs. Norris went home to be with the Lord. Everything that Venice is and all that is accomplished and has been accomplished here at Venice is the result and product of Pastor and Mrs. Norris love and dedication and faithfulness to this church.

I never had the privilege of meeting Pastor Norris, yet I have come to appreciate his love for Venice through many of you. I did have the privilege of meeting Mrs. Norris on a couple of occasions. She was a gracious, wise, and sweet woman who has instilled godliness and character in the lives of many of the women of Venice.

We have been left a legacy. It is a legacy of truth, love for God, and love for other people. We cannot discount the role that Pastor and Mrs. Norris played in making this a place that loves God and His Word. We are eternally indebted to them for their investment in Venice Church. I look forward to meeting up with them in heaven and getting to know them and rejoicing with them over all that God has done through Venice Church. My prayer for Venice is that as we carry on for God and His glory that we would have a lasting impact like that of the Norris family.