Whole In One

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Happy Reformation Day!!!


For those of you doom and gloomers on Halloween...don't be down cast! October 31st is Reformation Day. This date marks the day Dr. Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany in 1517. Thus, inadvertently, launching the Protestant Reformation which changed the face of the church forever!

http://www.spurgeon.org/~phil/history/95theses.htm

For a plethora of sites dedicated to Luther and His theses, you can simply 'google it'!! For those movie junkies, "Luther" was put out a few years ago, and I think it is one of the best movies I've ever seen.

Monday, October 30, 2006

Robinwood Assembly of God

Whole In One shared, Sunday, October 29th, in both the morning and evening services at Robinwood A/G in Robinson, IL. Robinson is located in eastern Illinois near the Indiana border, just south of I-70. Pastor James Parks and his wife Joy serve this great congregation.

Pastor Parks graciously invited us to call 'anytime we have a cancellation'. Just over 4 weeks ago, our original booking had to reschedule us, so I called Pastor Parks. Pastor was so gracious and booked us immediately. It's amazing to me how God orders our steps all along the way.

The plot thickens! Pastor Parks called a week and a half before the service and very humbly asked if we could reschedule due to a scheduling conflict that he missed in the calendar. We took the news in stride though we were concerned about an empty Sunday...

Sunday, October 15th @ 8:20 AM on our way to church, I get a phone call from Pastor Parks who says, "I don't know what God's brewing, but if you guys are still available, you're supposed to be here."

God is great. Anyone who says, 'Christianity is boring' just doesn't quite know what it is to 'live by faith'. We can tell you, there is never a dull moment in our lives.

In the morning, we shared in music and drama, focusing on God's amazing grace and love. In the evening, we did our 'Worship: A Biblical Perspective' service that is an interactive worship service that highlights 4 biblical characters and their worship to God. It was evident that God was working in both of those services. Honestly, I look forward to hearing more testimonies of all that God accomplished in those services.

Thank you to Pastor and Joy for their kind hospitality and love.


Pastor James Parks

Gail playing "But For Your Grace"

So I digress...It's not often you get to drive through Oblong, IL...

especially when your trip begins in Normal, IL.

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Double Trouble in Jerseyville!



Whole In One had a rare privilege to truly 'share' in ministry at First Assembly of God in Jerseyville, IL on October 22 & 23. Pastor Randy Cartwright invited Whole In One to lead worship while Evangelist James Payne shared in special music and the Word. The doctor had already pulled the sheet over Brother Payne's head, when God miraculously reached down, raised him up, and set him free from drugs and alcohol over 31 years ago. Since that time, Brother Payne has written 2300 songs with over 500 different artists recording his music. For more info, you can visit his website:

http://www.jamespayneministries.com/

James Payne


Pastor Randy's worship leader recently had a baby, and he scheduled us to fill in while she took some much needed rest!

Admittedly, I had no idea what to anticipate as this scenario was a first for us. It was very quickly evident to Gail and me that this was a divine appointment. Brother Payne is a seasoned veteran that gave us an incredible amount of wisdom and many insights that he has gained through years on the road. All I can say is that this weekend had a tremendous impact on my life. I look forward to see what God has in store for us as we continue to trust Him.

Here are a few pictures from this past weekend!! Have a great week!!

One guess who Pastor Randy's rooting for....

GO CARDINALS!!

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Upcoming Calendar!!

Greetings, Friends! I hope everyone is having a great October so far. Here are some of our calendar dates for Whole In One through the end of the year for those of you who might be interested! Have a great day in Jesus!!

October 22 & 23 ~ First Assembly of God - Jerseyville, IL
October 29 ~ Robinwood Assembly of God - Robinson, IL
November 5 ~ First Assembly of God - Jerseyville, IL (AM)
~ New Salem Assembly of God - Petersburg, IL (PM)
November 12 ~ First Assembly of God - Jerseyville, IL (AM)
~ Faith Assembly of God - Quincy, IL (PM)
November 19 ~First Assembly of God - Alliance, OH
November 22 & 26 ~ Central Assembly of God - Houston, PA
December 3 ~ Salineville Assembly of God - Salineville, OH
December 10 ~ Calvary Assembly of God - Mount Airy, NC
December 15 & 16 ~ Central Assembly of God - Houston, PA
December 17 ~ OPEN (Pittsburgh, PA Area)
December 24 ~ OPEN (Illinois Area)
December 31 ~ Hartford Assembly of God - Hartford, IL

Monday, October 09, 2006

First Assembly of God, East Alton, IL




Pastor Wayne & Suzanne Schaffer welcomed us to share in ministry at First Assembly in East Alton, IL. on Sunday, October 8. East Alton is situated in the riverbend area just northeast of St. Louis. I have a special connection with this church and pastor. Having pastored in Bethalto, a neighboring community, connects me to the church, but you have to travel over 650 miles for my connection to Pastor Wayne and Suzanne. Suzanne's first Sunday School teacher was my Mom in Washington, Pa. The Schaffer's are from southwestern Pennsylvania...my old stomping ground!! It's always fun to see them...and fellow Steelers Fans may I add!!

Pastor Wayne was grateful to take a break from preaching as it was Pastor Appreciation Day. We had 3 respond for salvation and many respond for prayer. We concluded the service gathered around the pastoral staff praying for continued blessing on their families and ministry. It was truly a time of thankfulness to the Lord for providing such incredible servants to serve the congregation at First Assembly.

Thank you, Pastor Wayne and Suzanne!

Pastor Wayne Schaffer

Youth Pastor Eric Hoffman

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Missions Banquet

Whole In One had the privilege of providing some laughs at the Troy Assembly of God Missions Banquet. The banquet we held on October 3. Needless to say, fun was had by all.

The fellowship hall was decorated in the theme of a castle and we were the madrigals for the evening. Some of the numbers included; "Please Don't Send Me To Africa", "Oh Lord, Won't You Buy Me A Speed the Light Car" (WIO Origional), and our famous "16 Fundamental Truths Song". There was a point in the evening where we were asked to stall while more food was being prepared and served...we went non-stop for over 2 & a half hours. We also shared a variety of skits and even presented a "Top 10 Ways to Ruin A Church Missions Trip".

Everyone had a blast...I only regret that I was too busy making a fool of myself to get any pictures!! Sorry folks...

Thanks to Pastor Gary Thomas and the congregation at Troy Assembly for such a fun time!!