Pastor's Reflections
Each week, SONLIGHT is privileged to be loved and shepherded by a loving and caring pastor. Below is Pastor Chris Boggs' Blog. Look to his speaking each week to uplift and inspire you.
Nov. 20, 2009
Ezekiel
Dear Friends,
I just finished reading Ezekiel this morning! Ezekiel ministered to the children of Israel while they were captives in Babylon. The Spirit not only showed Ezekiel that Israel would one day be restored, He gave Ezekiel the plans for laying out the city and the temple. How strange Ezekiel’s prophecies must have sounded to a displaced people whose beloved city had been destroyed. How could these things happen when they had no country, no money, and no freedom? I could not help but think about the challenges that face us at Sonlight as we look toward an extremely uncertain future. How will we build? Where will we get the money? Will anyone be interested in buying our old buildings in this difficult economy? But the God who spoke to Israel has not changed in all these years. As Mike Miller said, the same God that presided over our booming economy a few years ago has not changed just because the economy is bad. He is still in command of this universe and His purposes will be carried out where ever people will pray and believe. I want to encourage you to believe God for the impossible. He has not changed; He is still in control and it is His pleasure to give us the kingdom. I am excited as we contemplate future ministry hand in hand with God!
I want to thank those of you who have been praying for a car for Delana Ball to use while here in the US for 3 months. Someone has loaned her a 2005 SUV and she says it is a “sweet ride”.
Isn’t God good? Pastor Boggs
Nov. 16, 2009
Building Progress
Dear Friends.
It has been an unbelievably busy weekend! Saturday night we held an appreciation banquet for Sonlight workers and had an amazing time of fellowship, delicious food from Naslada Bistro, and fun! We especially enjoyed watching Ohio State defeat Iowa! As I looked around my living room packed with dedicated workers I could not help but remember our humble beginnings over 10 years ago. God has truly blessed our church family!
Sunday we honored Kirstina Roberts for her years of faithful service as Director of Children’s Ministries. There were touching testimonials by several members and applause by all for the work Kirstina has done in the Weston community. Miss Roberts will continue to be a part of the Sonlight family as she pursues her Master’s degree at UT, rears three active boys, and continues her search for a godly husband. The excellent volunteers at TeamKID will take over where Kirstina left off. We will meet soon with our Sunday morning workers to discuss how we might restructure Kid’s Church. Please be patient with us as we re-organize! Already I’m putting out feelers for that perfect person to help us!
We met again at 6 PM to vote on our first phase of a new facility and had 29 yes votes and one blank (I found out later someone didn’t understand the vote and they’re “for it”). It was an enthusiastic crowd and one of the most fun business meetings I’ve ever attended. Now for the hard part! I hope each one of you will begin to think about your contribution to help make phase one a reality!
At 7 PM we met with 10 teenagers and Jeff Helberg shared about the recent loss of his mother. It was a very touching reminder of how frail life really is. All of us were touched
Please continue to lift the Smiley family in prayer. Breanne has H1N1 so they are pretty much house-bound. Clyde still needs a job and they are experiencing trials on every side.
Aaron March (h20 Church) has stage 4 cancer and the prognosis is not good. Please keep him in prayer.
Will Coleman just called me with great news. Tammy’s dad began to revive Sunday. They did no procedure and will send him home soon! The family is praising God for a miraculous touch! Thank you for praying!
I’m excited about our 4 installation in “Sharing Jesus Without Fear” to be held at the Weston Library Community Room this Wed. at 6:45. See you then?
Pastor Boggs
Nov. 13, 2009
Business Meeting
Dear Church,
I was recently asked about voting proxy at business meetings and my mind went back to a time in the past where that happened. Later, the Board discovered that, according to our by-laws, one must be present to vote in any business meeting. Here’s what it says in Article IX. Meetings, Section 5-A: Qualifying of Voters: “The voting constituency at all business meetings of the assembly shall consist of all active voting members who are present and who are of 18 years of age or older.”
The up-coming Business Meeting to be held this Sunday evening at 6 PM is extremely important. We will essentially be voting on the future direction of our church and we need the input of every voting member. Thank you so much for making this a top priority in your weekend schedule.
Pastor Boggs
Nov. 12, 2009
Prayer Update
Dear Church,
Dona Kline is in the Blakely Care Center for a couple of weeks of rehab. I know she would be thrilled to see anyone who would like to visit or drop her a card.
I need to make a correction about Roger Strausbaugh, Shirley’s husband. He did not have a heart cath but vascular surgery on his leg. Pray that circulation will be improved in his feet. If there is not a major increase in blood flow he could be facing amputation.
Aaron Marsh has a brain tumor that has been found to be malignant. It can’t be completely removed because it is around the brain stem. Please keep him in prayer as he undergoes another surgery tomorrow.
For you who work in various church ministries, please don’t forget the Worker’s Banquet at our home at 1052 Avery Drive in BG on Saturday night at 6 PM.
See you in Church!
Pastor Boggs
Nov. 10, 2009
Dear Church,
So many things have happened during the past 5 days that I’m not sure where to begin. First, there will be no Tue. Evening prayer due to the visitation for Joanne Meier from 4-8 PM at the Wright-Hobbs Funeral Home in Grand Rapids. The funeral will be tomorrow at 10 AM followed with a meal for the family here at Sonlight. Thanks to all of you who have volunteered food and especially to Kevin, who has kept things on track in my absence. Keep Mike and the entire family in prayer.
Friday, I awoke in Gloucester with my back totally out! I could not walk or stand without great pain and shortness of breath. I saw a chiropractor for the first time and he really helped! I was able to lift my grandson and do almost anything I liked for the remainder of the trip. I’m still having some back pain but I get better daily.
Dona Kline is at Wood County Hospital and will remain there for several days. She did have a mini-stroke but seems to be fine now. Her main problem is that she keeps falling. Please keep Dona in prayer.
Will Coleman’s nephew appears to have sprain his neck but seems to be doing fine now. He still is not moving it much so keep him in prayer.
Roger Strausbaugh had a heart cath and bypass today at St. Luke’s. I will stop by to check on him shortly but say a prayer for him.
Aaron Marsh, one of the h20 men who camped out in my back yard a couple of summers ago, is at St. V’s undergoing surgery on a brain tumor that was just recently discovered. Please lift Aaron and his young wife to the Lord for a miracle of healing.
Let me just take the opportunity to thank Jim and Marlene Nicholson and whoever else helped set up the basement for Jeff Helberg’s family after the funeral. So many have helped in my absence and I truly appreciate all the effort!
I look forward to seeing some of you at “Share Jesus Without Fear” on Wed. night at 6:45.
Have a Blessed Day!
Pastor
Nov 8, 2009
Thanks to all who have volunteered to help with food and setup, we really appreciate it. Please keep Joanne’s family in your prayers during this difficult time.
Kevin
Nov 7, 2009
Joanne Meier, who is Jeff Helberg’s mom, passed away this morning at 8:00. Please keep the family in your prayers as they grieve the loss. Jeff said that the tentative arrangements are being made at Deck-Hanneman funeral home in BG. Visitation is on Tuesday and the funeral on Wednesday. The family would like to gather at the church after the funeral on Wednesday for a meal, so I’m asking anyone who can to prepare some food for them. If anyone would like to coordinate the meal, let me know…otherwise you can contact me to let me know how you can help. My number is 419-308-0411. Thanks for your consideration and assistance.
Kevin
Nov. 3, 2009
Worker's Appreciation Banquet
Dear Church,
There will be an appreciation banquet for all who work in the various ministries of the church on November 14 at 6 PM at our home. If you are involved with TeamKID, Kid’s Church, media, usher/ greeting, or any other aspect of church ministry you need to sign up this Sunday or contact me via email I will need a final headcount no later than next Tuesday. There will be a delicious meal and a good time of adult fellowship and fun!
See you Wednesday as we learn to “Share Jesus Without Fear”.
Pastor
Nov. 2, 2009
Dear Friends,
What a wonderful service yesterday with Mike and Sondra Miller! There was such a sweet, sweet presence of the Holy Spirit that I could barely speak at the conclusion of the service. I heard so many wonderful comments on Mike’s message. I really appreciate his perspective on the economy: God has not changed. He is the same God he was 2 years ago when the economy was booming. I believe we can trust God for the future and the work He has called us to do! Afterwards, the building team had lunch with the Millers at our home. We had such rich fellowship around the table. We reluctantly brought things to a close and sent people away with full hearts….and stomachs!
We still have several families battling flu. The Murphys and the Haynes families are dealing with sickness, just to mention a few. Cancer cells have been found in Robin Lancaster’s blood. She really needs a miracle of healing. Jeff Helberg’s mom, Joanne, is in Wood County Hospital on a ventilator. She is in an induced coma and can’t seem to survive without medical assistance. Please pray for Jeff and his family as they make some difficult decisions.
I completely forgot to ask for prayer volunteers for Tuesday night. Please contact me and let me know if you will come and pray with us from 7-8 PM.
Have a blessed day!
Pastor Boggs
Oct. 30, 2009
Prayers
Dear Church,
Helen Uhler had back surgery yesterday and came through it just fine. I visited with her again this morning at St. Luke’s and she is doing really well. She will be there for a while but pray that the surgery will relieve the pain in her leg and back and that her incision will heal quickly.
Ron Ackerman, brother to Bob Ackerman of Crozier’s Body Shop, is in Toledo Hospital. He is so weak he could not lift his hand to mine when we had prayer. He really needs a physical and spiritual miracle.
Jeff Helberg’s mom, Joanne, is in Wood County Hospital with a respiratory virus. She is on a ventilator and did not acknowledge me when I was there this morning. Please pray for Joanne and Mike.
And remember to pray for Mike Miller who will be with us in church this Sunday that God will give him just the right words for Sonlight. Blessings!
Pastor Boggs
Oct.29, 2009
Prayer Needs
Dear Church,
Helen Uhler came through her surgery just fine this morning. She had two vertebrae fused and hopefully this will relieve the pain in her leg and back. Please keep her in prayer as she recovers at St. Luke’s Hospital.
Some of you might remember Ron Ackerman. He visited Sonlight several times a few years ago and his brother, Bob, runs Crozier Body Shop. He is in ICU at Toledo Hospital and appears to be suffering from paralysis. He could not even lift his hand to hold mine when we had prayer. Please pray for Ron that he will hear God’s voice in the midst of his suffering.
Jeff Helberg texted me as I was coming back from Toledo this evening and his mom is in ICU at Wood County with some form of virus. She is in desperate need of prayer.
Please pray for these needs. I know each one of these folks will really appreciate it!
Pastor Boggs
Oct. 28, 2009
Share Jesus Without Fear
Dear Church,
I’m excited about our first session tonight at 6:45! Our class will feature video segments and testimonies with intervals of discussion. I hope that each one of you who signed up for this 4 week class will come and bring someone with you! Everyone is welcome to share this excellent material with us! It’s all about God’s Kingdom growing in our world.
I was so blessed last night to be part of a group of 8 people who came to pray about our new facility. Mike Miller with M&M Construction, will be preaching in the service this Sunday. It will be an excellent opportunity for each one of us to meet Mike and sense what the Holy Spirit is speaking to us at this critical juncture in our history.
See you in Church!
Pastor Boggs
Oct. 26, 2009
New Facilities
Dear Friends,
Finally, out of the fog of consultation and planning and prayer, a building is beginning to take shape! As many of you know, one building firm we spoke with advised us to build in more affordable phases and to build as large as we could afford in our first phase. Currently, we are looking at M&M Construction from New Lebanon, OH, to build the first phase of our new church. It will be a gymnasium/ multi-purpose building of approximately 5,000 square feet. It will include a kitchen and bathrooms as well as a storage area. We are currently looking at wood construction with drywall/ plywood finished walls inside. The cost analysis includes sidewalks around the building and paved parking areas. The allocation number for the completed project is $372,000 but we are already looking at ways we can substantially lower the price. Of great significance to me is the fact that I have personally known the owners of M&M Construction for many years. They built the gymnasium at the church I grew up in as well as several homes for some of my closest friends. Mike Miller and his son, Jeff, are godly men and members of the Old Order German Baptist Church. Mike will be preaching for us this Sunday so that everyone can get a feel for the people I believe God is bringing our way. Because this phase and the much lower cost required was not considered in our original business meeting we will meet again on November 15 at 6 PM to confirm tentative plans for phase one and the selection of M&M Construction to implement the project. These are exciting days but they will require a great amount of prayer and personal sacrifice each step of the way. Will you join us in prayer this Tuesday from 7-8 PM? I believe we have a God-given mandate for this project but it will not come to completion without prayer.
Have a Blessed Day!
Pastor Boggs
Oct. 22, 2009
Dona K.
Dear Church,
Last night after CSI, Dona fell as she climbed the steps to the deck at her back door. She really got bumped up and they were taking her for hand ex-rays when I left the ER at Wood County Hospital. I’m sure she needed a few stitches in her left hand. Dick had to lift her up and he was having some chest pains as a result. Please keep them both in prayer. Maybe it’s time we built a ramp up to their back deck?
We are excited about the announcement we will make this Sunday concerning our new facilities. I hope each one of you will be there to hear what God is doing for Sonlight!
See you in church!
Pastor Boggs
