Whole In One: November 2006

Celebrating Christmas

Never a dull moment with Whole In One!! Gail and I have so much fun with the different opportunities that are availed to us. We served as the Master of Ceremony and all around goofballs for the Annual Central A/G Staff and Board Christmas Banquet in Houston, PA.

Providing music, games, and lighthearted fun for all was our responsibility, and we embraced our challenge with vigor!! From Gail's roving violin that filled the air with the spirit of Christmas to our rendition of "The Restroom Door Said Gentlemen" to the tune of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", there were smiles and laughter throughout.

Personally, my highlight of the evening came with the "Reindeer Antler Contest". Given a set of ladies stockings and a pile of balloons, each table worked as a team to construct and model their Reindeer Antlers!! Well, the pictures below are worth a thousand words!!

Please enjoy...and those Central Family who are reading this...

These are your Trustees, Deacons, and Staff at their finest!!

Gail Roving With Her Violin During Dinner

Pastor Getchell ~ Having Hot Air Problems?? Yeah, Right!!
Pastor Nate receiving stocking advice from his wife.

What's John Maxwell got to say about this kind of leadership?
Thanks to all for being such great sports!! Blessings!!

The Stomping Ground

Whole In One had its first Christmas service of this wonderful season!! They say 'there's no place like home for the holidays...' and I couldn't agree more! We wrote and produced a whole new Christmas service for the 2006 season, and we had the privilege of sharing it with my home church, Central Assembly of God in Houston, PA. Houston is located about 23 miles south of Pittsburgh.

We did both of the morning services. We were so grateful as this Christmas will be very different for at least 7 people this year who received and accepted God's perfect gift of Jesus. We heard a tremendous amount of positive feed back regarding the services. It is those life changes that keep us on the road!!

A huge thanks to ALL of the staff and sound techs that helped make our service smooth!! Thanks to Pastor Stephen and Sophia Getchell for your kind hospitality, love and support!!

Anthony ~ He Sang in his 1st Official Service "Happy Birthday, Jesus"

Emily ~ Our Little Princess!!

First Assembly of God, Alliance, OH

First Assembly of God....Long after the service

Whole In One had the privilege of sharing at First Assembly of God in Alliance, OH. Pastor Ping and his wife, Juree, have faithfully served the church for the past 4 1/2 years. It was an exciting day as we shared in the morning and evening services. All I can say is that God's presence was so strong...I believe God did many wonderful things yesterday--only eternity will tell the full story.

Thank you, Pastor & Juree for your kind hospitality and generosity. We really enjoyed our time with you. We are very grateful for the friendship that has begun. While Pastor Ping had received our name from another Pastor, he and I had not met. It was clearly evident that our meeting was a divine appointment!

We look forward to what God has in store for the future of First Assembly in Alliance!!

Pastors Michael and Juree Ping

Deer Hunting Anyone???

Faith Assembly of God, Quincy, IL.

We had the privilege of sharing at Faith Assembly of God in Quincy, IL in the Sunday evening service. Pastor Larry & Patty Connour serve the congregation there. As I was pulling up to the church Sunday afternoon, I smiled as I realized I had sung at the church 12 years ago, when I was only 17. It was actually my first trip to Illinois.

We had an incredible service with 4 making a commitment to Christ! It is so amazing to see the life change that can occur when the Gospel is presented. These are the moments that make all of our travel, expensive gas, living in a travel trailer, etc...all worth it!!

Thank you, Pastor & Patty for allowing us to share at Faith Assembly. Your friendship, support, and love is greatly appreciated!! We look forward to what is in store for Faith A/G!!

Regarding this blog title: We were traveling south on IL 67 through some of the US's prime deer country following the service in Quincy...after being on the road just over 2 hours, I got to hit my brakes and juke slightly left to BARELY miss a big buck!! It had to be the Lord who kept us safe as I don't believe we had more than 3 inches to spare!! God is good!!

Faith A/G ~ The King-Dome

Pastor Larry Connour

We actually got to take a ferry across the Illinois River at Campsville

On the Campsville Ferry

Home is where the wheels are!!

Greeeeetings!!

Anthony has found it interesting that many people have weird houses that don't have any wheels!

As many of you know, Gail and I made a huge leap of faith by selling our house and all of its contents, and we purchased a 34' travel trailer. I'm not sure if I mentioned the fact that I hate camping, but it is our life now! We've been in our travel trailer since May 2005. While it has required some adjusting, we have simplified and made it work.

We have been in Jerseyville, IL for the past week as we have been ministering at Jerseyville First Assembly of God. We lead worship November 5 and 12 in the morning services. They have graciously allowed us to park at the church. It has been so much fun hanging out with the staff. Thanks for everything, guys...we love you all!!

Pastor Randy Cartwright & Joel

Pastor Randy & Kathy Cartwright

Jerseyville First Assembly of God

Momentum '06

November 3 & 4 ~ Momentum '06 ~ Springfield, Illinois

Trying to feel younger, Whole In One recently attended Illinois Youth & College Ministries (IYCM) "Momentum '06"...or as we called it in our day...Youth Convention! Actually, it had nothing to do with trying to feel younger as any of our peers know, convention only makes you feel OLDER!

Turn down that music!!

Whole In One serves as the IYCM Fine Arts Festival Coordinators. We attend convention every year to assist the students of Illinois get a jump start on Fine Arts by answering questions, handing out literature, and reminding the students and leaders that we are available for Fine Arts Coaching.

We firmly believe in Fine Arts...not just the program, but the impact that can be made by a student who discovers, hones, and uses their gifts for the Lord!! For those who may be unfamiliar with the National Fine Arts Festival, you can visit their website at http://www.faf.ag.org/

A side note of fun: Gail's brother, Todd, plays with Terry Kelley (http://www.tkband.com/) who was the worship leader for Momentum. If was great to see Todd and the crew!!

Here are a few highlight pictures:

Fine Arts Booth