Help Me With My Unbelief

July 7th Message: What's the Good Word?

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Bradley Donoho) — Tue, 9 Jul 2013 16:20:00 -0500

Last Sunday's message

was based on Acts 15:36-16:5,

which is the story for the kids'

Roamin' Sandals (VBS) this week.

What's the Good Word?

What's a Capital Campaign Have to Do With Jesus?

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Bradley Donoho) — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:19:00 -0500

Here's the audio from last Sunday's sermon,

which specifically addressed our

"Raise the Roof, Revive the Rest"

capital campaign.

What's a Capital Campaign Have to Do With Jesus?

If you want to see the accompanying visuals, the Powerpoint is here.

Sermon Post: How To Be Scared

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Bradley Donoho) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 14:49:00 -0500

Here's the audio link for last Sunday's message,

How to be Scared.

And here's the link

to the accompanying Prezi.

Interview with Coxer

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Bradley Donoho) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:26:00 -0600

Last Sunday we got to hear more about that guy

who keeps showing up to sing and play guitar.

If you missed it or wanted to hear it again,

here's the Interview with Coxer.

Hope (Dec 9th)

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Bradley Donoho) — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 13:34:00 -0600

Some have indicated they really wanted to hear some of the content from Dec. 9th, so you'll find the link to the audio below, including the homily Hope Heals, Toni's testimony, and the Children Dedication.

2012dec09 - Hope

The text for the little homily was Jeremiah 33:14-16.

Enjoy Your Last Sunday Ever

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Bradley Donoho) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 13:02:00 -0600

I know there were a few who were interested in the message that was planned for yesterday, but didn't get to hear it due to my illness. Since, it was only going to be a 5-minute devotion I offer this short, written version of that message that never was.

Enjoy Your Last Sunday Ever

Please reply or email or text me with comments or questions. And, enjoy your last...week...ever!

SERMON AUDIO: They Like Jesus But Not the Church

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Bradley Donoho) — Tue, 4 Sep 2012 15:18:00 -0500

If you missed a message from the last series, They Like Jesus But Not the Church, or you just wanted to hear something again, you'll find the audio files in this folder.

Aug 19 - part 1 (We won't be too political or judgmental.)

Aug 26 - part 2 (We won't be sexist or homophobic.)

Sept 2 - part 3 (We won't be arrogant or fundamentalist.)

Also, if you are interested in either of the two books from which quotes were taken, you can click on the pics below for their respective links.

Daniel Sermons Are Uploaded

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Bradley Donoho) — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:27:00 -0500

Below is the link to listen to the sermons from the last 4 weeks. These sermons loosely correlated with the kids' summer program, Babylon: Daniel's Courage in Captivity. The series included:

June 17th: (Daniel 1)

My World is Changing

June 24th: (Daniel 3)

My Life is a Challenge

July 1st: (Daniel 6)

Part 1--My Faith is Risky & Part 2--My Faith is Peaceful

July 8th: (Daniel 9)

My Prayer is Mercy

Click here for the downloadable audio files.

Please let me know if you run into any glitches.

We Have a Functional Tree...Fort

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Bradley Donoho) — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 12:58:00 -0500

It is now able to be played on without falling off.

As of Saturday, June 23rd.

Quarter Auction for Habitat for Humanity

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Bradley Donoho) — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 13:00:00 -0500

We'll be starting construction in Alton later this summer!

Will you help us help our family

build a decent, affordable home?

Like us (Alton Area HfH) on Facebook.

Until Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Bradley Donoho) — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 22:07:00 -0500

This is what she'll look like until at least Friday.

The deck just needs a dozen or so more railings and a completed step in between the trunks and it'll be functional by the 4th of July.

And we checked the steering wheel out. We were able to park the pirate ship before going back inside this evening.

Pictorial Update of the Tree Fort

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Bradley Donoho) — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 23:01:00 -0500

My week of vacation last week helped get the tree fort closer to the finish line. Here's the latest pix:

As of June 4th.

As of June 13th, we have most of a deck...and a trap door!

Here's a wide view, as of June 13th.

One of my helpers tried to draw up new plans for me.

Here's another helper putting primer on one of the walls.

Currently, it looks like this...

...and like this from the other side...

...and like this from the top of the slide.

(Thanks to Chris Orban, too, for his help getting the deck and trap door finished this past week!)

Umph (6-3-2012 sermon audio)

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Bradley Donoho) — Thu, 7 Jun 2012 23:23:00 -0500

The audio from last Sunday's sermon, Umph, is now up. It's based on Psalm 29.

You may want to view a minute or two of each of the three videos we watched, too...

The 2011 Japanese Tsunami:

The 2007 Hurricane Katrina:

The 2011 Tuscaloosa Tornado:

You might also be interested in the closing song, Everlasting God.

Tuscaloosa Trip Info

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Bradley Donoho) — Thu, 7 Jun 2012 14:26:00 -0500

We're set! Tuscaloosa, here we come!

Who wants to join us?

UABC is organizing a group to travel to Tuscaloosa in early August to work with Habitat for Humanity and help the city rebuild after the mile-and-a-half tornado ripped right through the city in the spring of 2011. If you're interested or know someone else who might be, check out the Trip Information document.

The Commitment Form is here and is due by Monday, June 18th.

If you're thinking, "Hey, I thought they were going to Joplin," here's an explanation for the change. While many organizations in Joplin are still needing volunteers, the Habitat projects have been filled by contractor-level workers, which means they aren't scheduling groups except for a day here or there. We (UABC) have grown fond of working with Habitat, so we found that Tuscaloosa, which was also hit hard by storms in the spring of 2011, is eager to host and use volunteer groups. So, while it's a different location and bit farther, it's the same idea.

What shall we call this thing?

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Bradley Donoho) — Wed, 30 May 2012 00:15:00 -0500

I intended to log the tree fort's progress, and I've been taking pics, but hadn't posted anything yet. So this is the quick catch-up...

Here's a sketch of what we're aiming for...just imagine a maple tree in the middle.

April 9th: Ground has been broken and construction has begun.

April 12th: The first three poles are in the ground with footings poured.

Ack!--the hole ate my assistant!

April 21st: All poles are in the ground and all 4 outer joists are secure.

April 29th: Yes, a swing was functional for his birthday on the 27th.

April 29th: All 4 top railings are secure and the swing header mounted.


May 12th: We have the beginning of a deck...and a slide!

May 16th: Vertical rails have started to appear.

May 28th: A climbing wall!--now there's a way to get to the top of the slide!

(Thanks to those who've helped so far with tools, ideas, & muscles!)

At this slow-n-steady rate,

she'll be ready in time for...

Dealing with Biblical Contradictions

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Bradley Donoho) — Tue, 29 May 2012 16:34:00 -0500

Sermon audio from May 27th:
Smash-Up: Bright Lights v/s Clueless Hands

Synopsis: Jesus said, "...let them see your good deeds...," and then said, "...don't even let your left hand know what your right hand is doing..." So, which is it? Is our faith supposed to be private or public? What's the deal?

The biblical texts are Matthew 5:14-16 & Matthew 6:1-4.

Is God Sexy or Sex Godly?

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Bradley Donoho) — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:37:00 -0500

Several were interested in hearing this sermon but couldn't be there. So, here is the audio: Is God Sexy or Sex Godly?

(Yes, it begins with the Beatles. The full video of what you here can be seen here.)

(Here's a link to the New Living Translation of the text, Song of Songs 2:4-7.)

(And, you can try to follow along in the prezi if you'd like.)

"My," The Evil Word

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Bradley Donoho) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:46:00 -0600

I went for a hike yesterday in the woods behind our house for the first time since they logged the "mature-growth" trees out and deer season this past fall. I was certainly overdue for a time of solitude in the woods.

What I saw as I trekked down the hill behind our house and back up into the wilderness was that my sanctuary had been raped!
The loggers obliterated most any recognizable paths and landmarks with wide, tractor-wheel packed roads back and forth through the woods. That is not to mention all of the tree stumps and toothpicks and splinters of trees that were left behind as evidence of the mutilation. Given that I walking through this man-made mess in mid-January, I felt like I was wondering aimlessly in some deciduous graveyard.
I kept hiking, deciding to move on deeper into what-used-to-be woods, hoping to find an end to the destruction, which I did as the topography rolled into a descent towards a creek. I crossed what I figured was the spray-painted boundary line for the loggers, and found unadulterated solace again.

Somewhere in this little 2+ hour journey, I realized that these were not MY woods. It was not MY sanctuary. Although I feel robbed of some personal access to a corner of natural beauty, I do believe in property rights, and I cannot fault the actual owner of the land on which those harvested trees grew for turning those timbers into some [needed?] cash.

Besides, Our God, the real owner of anything in Creation, has some more woods a bit beyond the deciduous graveyard, which I can still borrow from time to time for a personal, momentary sanctuary.

Blogging Revisited

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Bradley Donoho) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 21:31:00 -0600

I think it's time to restart the blogging thing again...at least the weekly thankful lists. Details and actual follow-thru to follow.

More Pix

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Bradley Donoho) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:49:00 -0500

Mother and Daughter:

A Family of Four:

Big Brother Holding Little Sister For the First Time:

Big Brother the Entertainer:

Lookout World! Adele Elizabeth is here!!

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Bradley Donoho) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 10:49:00 -0500

The little lady poses for her first photo shoot:

Daddy & Addie:

Hello Grandma Donoho:

Hello Grandpa Donoho:
Hello Grandma Frazee:

My Weekly Seven v10.17.10

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Bradley Donoho) — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 22:38:00 -0500

These are seven of the more peculiar things for which I'm thankful from the past week...

Finished Project | Now, all 3 underbed drawers are complete! Maybe Alison will post a pic or two...

Short Week | Though it makes for a feeling of low productivity at the end of the week, a short work week is always a nice change of pace.

Random Text Encouragement | The little 56-character, out-of-nowhere text message I received on the way to work one morning last week was a nice pick-me-up to start the day. Thanks again, friend, for noticing the Holy Spirit's nudges.

Nature Walk | JT's homework (Yes--preschoolers have homework, too.) last week included going on a nature walk and looking for certain items like an acorn, a red leaf, an ant, a twig, etc. We did a late afternoon/early evening hike as a family last Thursday in the woods behind our house. It was gorgeous! It was a great family moment.

Piddling on the Piano | In my former years, I learned who I was and to have confidence in this person God made through music. Although my musical achievements were not on the piano, I've always enjoyed tinkering with chord progressions, melody lines, and some harmonies on the ivory. I got to do that for 20 minutes or so last Friday. Ahhh.

Wrestling with JT | He's been asking to wrestle quite often lately, and it's fun. It's definitely more WWF-style (the staged aspect, that is--not the the folding chairs and body slams) than any technical skills. And JT usually gives one or two of the down-from-the-gut laughs.

Golf | Before this past weekend, I had golfed once. (Evidently miniature golf doesn't really count.) I participated in a golf benefit. It was a "scramble," which meant that everyone on the team hits from the spot of the best-hit shot. In 15 holes, I think we used one of my drives, a couple of my ons, and I got a couple putts in for us. It was good times.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

My Weekly Seven v10.10.10

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Bradley Donoho) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 22:03:00 -0500

These are seven things for which I'm especially thankful from the past week...(posted a couple days late)...

Our Preschooler's Rebuke | As I complained out loud about a do-it-myself construction project, JT says, "Uh, you're whining. You're a big boy--you need to use your words."

Our Preschooler's Observation | Another JT quotable: "Pregnant people don't do much. All they do is sleep, lay on the couch, and watch TV."

New Computer | I got a replacement work laptop (previous one effectively became ineffective) and now I'm back in business! It's an HP G72 series. (Thanks for your help, Steve!)

UnHappy Valley | Illinois 33, Penn State 13...at Penn State's home formerly referred to as Happy Valley. This Illinois team is legit. If they continue on this trajectory of playing hard and improving, they should get a bowl bid this year. Getting 6-8 football wins is a realistic expectation again.

Indian Summer | Although autumn is pretty and there's something pleasant about the cool weather of the season, I prefer it warm.

Homemade Apple Pie | One of the delicious results of a weekend family trip to Eckert's Apple Farm. Best served warm with ice cream and caramel...mmmm!

Amateur Woodworking | The first 2 of 3 under-bed drawers have turned out well...pretty much like I conjured up--functional & spacious on the inside, nice & simple looking on the outside. Not the woodworking masterpiece that my Grandpa Scott would turn out, but I'm quite satisfied (and so are Alison & JT).

Praise God
from whom all blessings flow!

Another Word on Fasting - Let's Get Ready

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Bradley Donoho) — Thu, 27 May 2010 23:06:00 -0500

“Get everyone together and fast...”

That was the request of a brave woman when she realized that she had to do something drastic for her family. What she would have to do was risky—it could’ve ended in her death. But she also knew that if she didn’t, she and all of her relatives would certainly die.

The woman’s name was Hadassah. Her story and the story of how her family, the Jewish people, was threatened with genocide is recorded in the biblical book carrying her Persian name, Esther.

When Hadassah came to grips with the situation—that she and her whole family tree were facing death if nothing changed, she asked for the whole people to join her in preparing to take action. She didn’t stomp into the throne room and make her demands. Nor did she make plans to get out of town. She didn’t just take some time to pray about it alone. Neither did she just sit and complain about how unfair it was. She resolutely accepted the situation, decided to do something about it, and requested that her uncle Mordecai “gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast...” (Esther 4:16, NIV)

There are a number of ways in which we American Christians (and us UABCers specifically) are now much like Hadassah’s people. If nothing changes, we also will be facing death. (See the Life Cycle of a Congregation diagram below. The Church Board last year determined that we are somewhere between “Stability” & “Decline”.) We know that we must take action soon. Yet, we will not stomp our feet making our demands; we will not look for opportunities to get out of Dodge; we will not pray with passivity; nor will we not sit down to complain. As Hadassah, Mordecai, and company, we will prepare together.

And so, 2010 has been declared the Year of the Fast, because one of the functions of fasting in the life of the people of God is as a form of communal preparation. On our Day of Prayer & Fasting this month, Wednesday, June 16^th, please join me in praying especially for

wisdom for the Church Board,
diligence for the Programs & Property Task Force,
and that the "5 ALIVE" language will continue to become part of our rebirth as a church family.

Trip to Help Cedar Rapids Rebuild

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Bradley Donoho) — Thu, 20 May 2010 16:54:00 -0500

Our church is sending a team to help Habitat for Humanity rebuild in the Cedar Rapids, IA in August. We do good work, learn a lot, and have a blast! Wanna go with us?

Here's some introductory info...

Other Information
Timeline

We'll be working with the Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity chapter.

Let me know if you want the rest of the information packet.