It's Cold & Flu Season ...

... and don't I know it!

By the time I was finished working on an all-day video shoot on Saturday, I realized that what I thought was a mere cold had morphed into the feverish, achy, head-swelling flu that's going around. I called Jeff Saturday night and told him he was going to have to fill in Sunday morning. And, being the theological trooper he is, he conducted our Sunday meeting with grace and aplomb. I'm told that he offered a compelling survey of the first few chapters of the book of Hebrews. BUT, the bad news is that there is no recording of it. So, the folk on the Internet will just have to imagine how enjoyable it was.

It's been a long, long time since I've missed two Sundays this close together, but God did not topple from His throne. The saints still gathered and the word went forth. So, I'm grateful to Jeff (pictured here) for his willingness to stand up and teach.

Despite rumors to the contrary, he's a good man. :-)

And, while I'm at it, our other keyboard player was also out sick, so Tom (pictured below) soldiered on, leading song service with just his electric guitar. Tom and I have been playing music together since 1984. And, by God's good and gracious providence, we're still playing together today. So, I'm grateful for his fortitude and willing service to GCA.

We are a blessed congregation to have capable and willing folk who can serve in the ministry of the gospel while also allowing their pastor time to heal. I'm a fortunate fellow.

(cough, sniff ...)

Sovereign Grace Bible Conference

Back in August, while attending the Annual Sovereign Grace Bible Conference, Andrew Doss began talking about creating a website devoted to the conference, especially in light of its impending 25th anniversary. Well, after a few quick discussions, we went to work on it. The site is now up and running and Andrew's done an excellent job with it. You can watch video clips of the preaching and singing, and every message from the conference is available in mp3 format.

This August the conference will convene for the 25th year in a row. All the necessary info is at the website. If you have an opportunity and would like to be among some of the most loving, enthusiastic Calvinists you'll ever meet, make the trip to Lexington.

To see the new site, click here:

http://www.sovereigngracebibleconference.org/

The Sunday morning white board

As you are listening to this morning's message, entitled "And That Not Of Yourselves" -- you'll hear me writing on the board and making reference back to it. Here's a picture from Meg's camera phone to help you envision what was on the board so you can better follow along.

Thanks to Meg for her quick camera-phone trigger finger!

Plank of Wood Rocks!

At long last, after much cajoling and anticipation, the new "Plank of Wood" line of products is available through CafePress!!! This picture is of the new mousepad --- is anything cooler??!!

Click this link and fill your wardrobe with the latest GCA shirts and stuff, from hoodies to T-shirts. There's even a "Plank of Wood" teddy bear (for which I have no explanation).

You can see it all here -

http://www.cafepress.com/plankofwood

Thanks to Andrew D. for his design brilliance.

(These products are sold through CafePress, not GCA. We do no profit off these products. They are made available at competitive prices for your convenience and enjoyment.)