Tybee - Day 1

  It has been quite a number of years since I have done any traveling by myself, so the act of getting in my rental car and heading down I-75 was a rather odd feeling. However, the trip was good, the car ran great, had my CD books going and before long I was cruising through Savannah and heading down Butler Street on Tybee Island. What a totally cool place this is, tucked away along the coast of Georgia.

  I knew that Bennie’s Tavern (where the Tybee Bar Church meets) was just a couple blocks away, so I drove by there before checking in. It’s, well, a tavern; a bar; just one of those places you see in beach towns on the corner of busy streets. But, knowing what it held on Sunday mornings, it was strangely compelling to me.

  After checking into my motel, I called Dedra (my college friend who lives here) and we spent the rest of the afternoon strolling along the beach and the famous Tybee Pier getting reacquainted. It was about this point that I remembered that the Nicholas Sparks book, “The Last Song” was filmed here so I tried to not go into screaming tourist mode and start pointing out all the places in the movie. However, I was unable to resist when I recognized the Pier.

  I’m totally out of my comfort zone at this point. I’m used to nice brick churches with steeples and happy (or at least on the surface) people dressed well coming to sing two songs, a prayer and welcome, then one more song, an offering, a sermon and a closing hymn and prayer, then you go home. These people that I am meeting are truly real people who are unafraid to share their problems, their warts, and know that without God and this unique church they are not sure where they would be in life. And I know, as do you, that many of these people would not be accepted in our traditional-like churches.....and then where would they be?

  In the early evening, we headed to an Oyster Bar where I met, probably, one of the coolest musicians I have ever known. Fantastic guitarist playing on the back deck; Spanish guitar, Rolling Stones, Cream, Journey, Foreigner, Buffet, and on and on. His long hair was a’waving in the breeze, cargo shorts and cut off shirt fraying, but…the smile. The eyes. I could tell immediately that music was his passion, but God was his Passion. Yep, this was Sam, the preacher of Tybee Bar Church. He welcomed me and Dedra and would pop over at his breaks to chat. During his last break, he brought me a special gift from his house that I’ll share about another time, but he grabbed my hand and said a prayer over me that I’ll not forget for a long, long time. I felt in the presence of God there on the back porch of Bernie’s.

  This was my first day on Tybee. I’m excited about what comes next.

  And for today my friends, this has been the gospel according to Jimmy.

Tybee Church newsletter for 9.16.2012

Hello, Friends of Tybee Church!

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This Sunday, September 16, Jimmy Cochran will be the guest speaker at Tybee Church.
Jimmy is a Musician and Scribe for the Lord from Atlanta.The message he will bring is "Getting Past Your Past."(See attached poster)

Come expecting a blessing! Let's pack this place out!

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We'd love for you to join us every Sunday at 10 AM at Benny's Tavern on the corner of Butler and Tybrisa Streets. The service lasts about an hour or so. Come a few minutes early to have some coffee, juice, and biscuits.

If you cannot be with us in person, you can still be with us in spirit. If you cannot be with us in person, you can watch online at www.livestream.com/barchurch.

You're HERE even when you're not!

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September 9, 2012 Service

The bulletin is attached.

Stephen Grosse, a talented musician who has played with the band for some time, is also a composer. Here, Stephen shares the latest praise song he wrote. Tybee Church - Stephen Grosse, psalmist - "God Loves You" http://youtu.be/VRjHdFzeML0

We have been so blessed to have Heather Kohn share her beautiful voice with us in recent weeks. You will receive a blessing as you listen to Heather sing.

Tybee Church - Heather Kohn - Praise & Worship - "Wayfaring Stranger"- http://youtu.be/Lo8tXirNbNk

How delightful it is to have Bob Fulton participate in our service. He really knows how to get us energized with his music! As you listen to this song, I'll bet you will find yourself clapping, singing along... and smiling! Tybee Church - Bob Fulton Praise & Worship - "Jesus (and Mama) Loves You"- http://youtu.be/MANUFwyYUjY

Here is the September 9, 2012 service at livestream.com/barchurch: http://livestre.am/47UJ7

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There were some videos from September 2 that I did not add in last weeks email. Sorry about that. Here they are! ~Dedra

Samuel Adams leads Tybee Church in lifting prayers for Jim Sahr....seeking a miracle... and in singing "Holy Spirit, Breathe On Me". How grateful we are for the talents of Samuel, Gordon, Dave, and Stephen as they play music for a time of prayer and meditation. Tybee Church - Praise & Worship "Holy Spirit Breathe On Me" - Psalmist Samuel Adams.mov http://youtu.be/_v7u2o2LSIg

Here is a video of Ava McNally singing "Jesus" along with the band. You can also see the image of Ava holding her painting "Where Pirates Worship" fade in and out in the video a couple of times. Awesome!!! Tybee Church - Ava McNally - Praise & Worship "Jesus".mov http://youtu.be/Af8X3Qk-Azo

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PRAYER IN HEAVENLY PLACES

Please keep Tybee Church and each other in your prayers.

Please say an extra prayer for these people this week:

Jamie Schuman and the family and friends of Frank SchumanSandi and Dave Postle - Sandi had a health scare this week.

Jim and Sam Sahr - Jim has been in Memorial Hospital since August 16.

Dave Cahill & John Heisey - prayers for safe trip to AlaskaDanny and Susan - they lead the livestream chatPaula Prosser - friend of Susan Sawyer... health issue
Tina Korr - friend of Susan Sawyer... health issue

Julia Foster - does the filming for Tybee Church and manages Tybee Church Facebook page
Debbie "Cupcake" Cochran - does Sunday preparations for Tybee Church, fixes coffee, water, juice, so much more
Matt Few - assists with set up and take down

Jimmy Cochran - will be sharing a message with us on Sunday

I hope to add different names each week for spotlight prayer. Please share your prayer concerns. I only will list your name so that others can pray for you, and I will NOT list a reason unless you ask me to.

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Betty Daley Shipes has a hospital bed that her daughter Donna used. Betty is willing to give it to someone in medical need if you will go pick it up before Sunday. Betty's phone number is (912) 308-4570. She may still have a wheelchair and a walker available. Some people have already asked for them, but it's worth calling about that as well.

Food for the Soul is making a difference in people's lives! We do not live by bread alone. We feed those in need. Five bucks in the bucket will feed two people this week! If you know someone who needs this ministry, or if you can donate time or money to help out, please contact Sylvia Waldo. (478) 718-1372

All donations can be made through Simplehearted Ministries, Inc.
Tybee Church
11 Izlar Ave. #3
Tybee Island, GA 31328

You can also donate through PayPal at the website: http://www.simpleheartedministries.com/index_donate1.html

Thank you to everybody who makes Tybee Church so special. It takes every one of us to be Tybee Church! As Ross always reminds us, "We are the Family of Tybee." Arrrmen!

Sometimes I wrestle with my inner demons. Other times, we just hug. :-)

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The past cannot be changed, forgotten, edited, or erased; it can only be accepted.

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new. ~Albert Einstein

Failure is success in progress.

In the end, we only regret the chances we didn't take, the relationships we were afraid to have, and the decisions we waited too long to make.

No relationship is ever a waste of time. If it did not bring you what you want, it taught you what you don't want.

Don't judge me until you know me, and don't talk about me until you talk TO me.

Let your past make you better, not bitter.

Since Jimmy Cochran is speaking about "Getting Past Your Past," I thought that I would share some quotes on the subject and talk about that, too. I guess at one time or another we all have a feeling of failure, guilt, or suffering...we are bombarded mentally by regrets... "should have, would have, could have"... or memories of tragedy or loss... or something else entirely. It might even be something that still causes acute pain today.

No matter if it's physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual pain...each cut wounds deeply and leaves scars in the healing process. We all deal with these wounds and scars in different ways, and I have no earth-shattering words of wisdom for you. I can only share with you some practices that have allowed healing in my own life.
God told Jesus He was loved. Mark 1:9-11: At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

This is a model for us all... to tell others that we love them and are proud of them. I try to do this for others. And I have made it a habit to surround myself with people who value me and show me God's love. Every single day, I am around people who tell me and and show me I am cared for and appreciated. I am told by others how glad they are that our paths have crossed. I am given compliments, told I am loved, and treated with respect. How great is that? Yep. Pretty great!

Christ practiced solitude. Mark 1:35: After His baptism, the Lord Jesus Christ went into the wilderness in order to prepare in solitude by fasting and prayer for the accomplishing of His great work for which He had come to earth.
If this was a practice Christ needed, surely I need it as well. So, I seek places of peace... where I can talk to and listen to God. The best place for me is the beach where my skin is kissed by the warmth of the sun and the cool of the breeze, my toes are tantalized by the waves and the sand, my lips and tongue taste salt air, my ears are serenaded by the birds and the wind, and my eyes are mesmerized by dancing clouds, sparkling sunlight diamonds of sunlight and people basking in the beauty of the coast. I can talk to God best here, but better than that, I can hear Him speak to me... and I can truly, truly listen. If a time at the beach is not possible, I seek a special place indoors where I can find solitude, quiet, and peace.... a place where my time and thoughts are sacred.

God gives us angels on Earth (our loved ones and friends) and He also gave us our beautiful Earth to take care of so that it can renew and replenish us, as well. The Lord's gifts of healing are ours for the taking. Like a present that is offered, we must accept the gift, else it has no value. Please accept His gifts of love... and healing.
~DeLuve'

The past is behind, learn from it. The future is ahead, prepare for it. The present is here, live it.

Live as if you were living a second time, and as though you had acted wrongly the first time. ~Viktor E. Frankl, psychiatrist and holocaust survivor

You cannot choose where you came from, but you CAN choose where you go from here.

Do not let your past rob your future. Each day is a chance to make a new beginning.

Count your blessings, live with gratitude, and love with all your heart!

Don't lead, I'll wander off and get bored. Don't follow. I'll get us both lost. Walk beside me and help me cause trouble. :-)

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Peace, Love, and Blessings,

Tybee Church

Psalms 116: "God Protects the Simplehearted"
Simplehearted Ministries Inc. A 501(c)(3) non-profit
Info: tybeebarchurch@gmail.com / Facebook: Tybee Church / (912) 433-1643 /www.livestream.com/barchurch

A different view from the deck

I have written many times about how much I enjoy sitting on the deck and watching the birds and other critters cavort in the backyard, in the privet and along Camp Creek. It is generally a peaceful world out there regardless of whether it is in the morning or in the evening. However, there are times when troubles come to the backyard.

In recent weeks, there have been coyotes, foxes and bobcats trolling along the creek bank foraging for food, or perhaps taking an early look for a place to spend for the winter months. On occasion, they have come up into our neighborhood for some reason and have caused some concern and fear among our community. The most frequent time for these visits are usually early evening or during the wee hours of the morning. People are taking greater care to look around well before they leave their homes to see if some of these predators are around. Those with pets are keeping them inside or very close at hand if they go out. We feel fairly safe in our homes with the regular McDonough Police driving through to watch out, but there is no one to protect us from these animals that have been patrolling our streets and backyards. There have been those of us who live along the creek that have almost felt like we were being held hostage in our own homes.

Life can be very similar. We can feel fairly secure in our own spirituality, sometimes to the point that we become smug and complacent. After all, we are believers and followers of the Almighty God, the Creator, He who can do all things, etc. We go to church, bible study, Wednesday night suppers, give to missions, help out at local charities all the things we are supposed to do. We’re happy in our own little worlds…just you and God. And that’s okay.

Then the predators begin to sneak in. Maybe a harmless flirtation becomes a little more serious. Perhaps a book that is read or a movie that is watched gives some ideas about alternative lifestyles that are appealing. A beloved friend or family member (or pet) dies unexpectedly and we can’t quite grasp a divine purpose for it. Maybe we begin to see things in our church or our church leaders that don’t seem acceptable. Before we know it, the predatory creatures of the spiritual world become to creep in. Doubt, hurt, curiosity, questioning, anger. All things that left alone can cause your faith to be chipped away at slowly, but surely until you are not sure at all where God stands in your life. Oh, He is still there, but we just kinda begin to wonder.

This problem can be two-fold. One is that it is so easy for all of us, repeat, all of us to be susceptible to these spiritual pitfalls. We need to be constantly aware of their presence and guard our body, hearts and minds against falling prey to them. The second is that we do not become an agent to cause others to doubt, to struggle, to fall. This can be harder than it seems because we can lose ourselves in our own spiritual smugness and not realize we are causing others to stumble. Very much like the Pharisees.

Just as I enjoy watching the beauty and the good parts of God’s creation from my deck, I have to always keep aware that there is danger in the beauty. The hawk occasionally gets the bluebird and there is nothing I can do to stop it. However, I can protect my heart and my faith if I am diligent.

And for today my friends, this has been the gospel according to Jimmy.