Longleaf @ 210

Calvin Reed, a prominent resident in the 1800's, named the land we worship on Mandarin. It was named after the Mandarin Orange. In its earliest beginnings, the little village of Mandarin had no churches, and then shortly after its beginning in 1874, Methodism began to spread in the Mandarin area. We are the recipients of faith sharing that occurred 142 years ago! 

Interestingly, 142 years later, we see new life beginning in a new area called County Road 210 and faith sharing with United Methodist roots is beginning to branch out among a new group of people.

Throughout the last year, after studying MissionInsite demographic information, leadership at Mandarin UMC identified County Road 210 as an area of exponential growth. Over the next decade, estimates of 42,000 homes will be built in Northern St. Johns County, making it the third fastest growing counties in The United States.

Part of our call as followers of Jesus Christ here at Mandarin is to share our faith in new ways. Longleaf @ 210 is a movement of the Holy Spirit by the people of Mandarin UMC to share our faith in Jesus Christ in new and exciting ways. Longleaf @ 210 is a branch of Mandarin United Methodist Church. A "branch" identifies this ministry as an extension of our church, or a link to the ministries of this church. "Branch" does not mean an actual physical structure, but instead ministries that are extensions of our church family to the greater community. A plan was introduced to Church Council in November 2015 laying out ministry in the next three years along the County Road 210 Corridor.

Our hope in 2016 is to begin 10-15 Discipleship Groups and 5 Fresh Expressions. A Discipleship Group is very similar to a small group at church where people will meet in homes, restaurants, amenity centers to study God's Word in different ways. A Fresh Expression is a form of church in our ever-changing culture. Fresh Expressions go to where the people are at. 

For example, there are many kayaking advertisements related to kayaking in St. Johns County. God laid it on my heart to begin a Fresh Expression of Kayaking for the CR 210 community. On January 9, 2016, we launched our first Kayaking Fresh Expression. This journey included both people from church as well as people who do not go to what we think of as church. On the kayak trip, there was prayer, there was Scripture reading, there was a brief message and their was discussion, and thus, a new community of faith developed. 

Fresh Expressions are a way to reach people in new ways. Kayaking Trip Video (Click to watch)

This along with other fresh expressions being offered in the CR 210 area will be on display THIS Sunday, January 31, at Johns Creek Amenity Center II from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

We invite you to come out this Sunday, January 31. The address to Johns Creek Amenity Center is 251 Huffner Hill Circle, St. Augustine, FL 32092.  We invite you to be part of our first community invitational event and be sure to invite your neighbors and friends to join you!

We invite you to join us in prayer as God leads us in new ways of sharing our faith along the County Road 210 area in the coming years.

I Spent the Night At Starbucks

The day was going great! Woke up at 4:15 a.m. to run in the Florida Conference 5K for Imagine No Malaria!

I had lunch with some new colleagues. This afternoon, I had the opportunity to share the plenary stage as we presented for Imagine No Malaria. I was so looking forward to this evening at Conference to hear Rev. Adam Hamilton preach and to listen to Bethune Cookman Concert Chorale. It was going to be great! I left early to get a good seat and then...

Because I was so tired from getting up at 4:15, I needed a good cup of high-test caffeine coffee! So I headed to Starbucks to go through the drive through and get my cup of joe. As I was getting ready to pull into Starbucks, I hit a hole and instantly my tire blew. It instantly flattened.

I barely got off the street and pulled to the side, however, I was slightly blocking some traffic, making it an inconvenience for others to pull in. The stares came! They thought I was just trying to claim that spot as my own.

Finally I pulled into a spot in the Starbucks parking lot in downtown Daytona Beach. I got out my jack,  and lowered the spare tire. I got out my wrench to take off the lug nuts. It wasn't budging. Meanwhile...I am in my suit still! This woman stood there for a second and said, do you need help? I said, "No, I'll be fine." She replied, "At least drink some water, you will dehydrate! I'm going inside Starbucks to get you a cup of cold water." She came out and got me a cup that tasted SO good!

I then called tow assistance and she disappeared. Once the agent told me it would be an hour before assistance would arrive, I went inside to get my coffee since I wasn't going to Annual Conference now to hear Adam Hamilton or the Concert Chorale.

This woman was sitting there with her son. She invited me to sit with them and I did. We shared a cup of coffee and began to talk. Mary Ann and her son Nate are new to Florida. They lived in New York City and she was a high school science teacher that got laid off a few years ago. She was still trying to find work, but finds it difficult as she has seizures on a regular basis for an accident years ago. She had such a passion for teaching as she told me story after story of her classrooms.

I asked about her family. She only has the son, Nate, who is 17 and will be a Senior. She lost her mom to cancer two years ago. She began to cry and we talked through her grief and the loneliness and somewhat hopelessness she is going through now.

An hour and some minutes passed conversing with this woman I just met, who came to my aid when I needed a cup of cold water to drink after paining myself to get the tire off. It was so nice to spend this time at Starbucks; it was random, not on the "Schedule," and it was a God moment, because God saw fit for me to be able to minister to Mary Ann and for Mary Ann to minister to me.

I wish I had more of these random Starbucks moments in everyday life, an opportunity to bless and be blessed. Mary Ann, I pray that you find hope in the near future. Thanks for the cup of water, it initiated much more that just a kind gesture to me, I am grateful. Amen.

Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Stuck in the Garage

I am on a “stay-cation” this week as I write this. It has been such a busy spring and with busyness, comes projects that are put on the “back-burner.” Yesterday, I laid river rock down and landscaped, today I am installing a ceiling fan and my messy job today is cleaning out the garage. 

I took a break to come in and write this letter. We have been here in Florida for two years now. Unfortunately for us, we no longer have a basement and an attic. (They were so nice to store things!) Every item we don’t use on a regular basis goes into the garage. In two years time, we have accumulated so much “stuff!” Old softball bats, helmets, and other things the kids have outgrown have just sat around collecting dust. 

When it comes time for spring cleaning each year, I am always amazed at the stuff we don’t use and do not need anymore. It often becomes just a relic of the past.

I am so thankful our faith in Christ Jesus is not a relic or something we store in the garage only to use it when needed. Our faith is living, active, breathing, constant and growing. Our faith is to be deepened, shaped, and formed daily. Our faith is not meant to be stagnant, but vibrant and active! 

This summer, I encourage you to not put your faith in the “garage,” but to keep it out - active and alive so that you will continue to grow and at the same time, let others experience it too!

Matthew 6:19-21  “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Well, back to cleaning out the garage! 

It's Just a Phase

Last week, I attended the Orange Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. 7,000 Church workers & pastors descended upon the Gwinnett Center to learn more of Family Ministries.

Worship

Such a team! 

I traveled with our program staff; Chad, Sam, Angie and Sarah. (Talk about getting to know people on a six hour van ride!) We had a blast together and learned so much about each other, and at the same time, grew as leaders called by God to shape others around us.

This year's theme was "It's Just a Phase" The more I heard this phrase, the more reality sunk in. We only have our children for a short while. What do we do with our children while they are in our midst makes all the difference.

Andy Stanley spoke early in the week from Nehemiah 1. Andy challenged us to think of two questions:
1. Who are you?
2. What breaks your heart?

Nehemiah had a broken heart for . Read these words from Nehemiah 1.
4 As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. 5 And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father's house have sinned. 7 We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. 8 Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, 9 but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’ 10 They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. 11 O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.”

Now I was cupbearer to the king.

Nehemiah had received a first-hand report about the depressing state back home and it broke his heart. He decided, therefore, that something needed to be done. He couldn’t sit idly by and do nothing. He had to put method into his praying and ‘worked with God’ on the problem.

Andy Stanley went on to say that there are so many young people who grow up in homes where families come to church and don't even acknowledge that God is real in their life. The kids grow up, they leave and they often leave their faith.

That struck a cord with me. It breaks my heart. I know it does for Chad Deetz and Burt Robinson. Our youth leaders desire for every youth to know Christ and to live for Christ. I hurt when I hear of their hurt for one of the youth.

Being a youth is tough. I "remember when" I was a teen. It was not easy then, and it's sure not any easier now. Teen sex, drug use, gun violence, online bullying...the list could go on and on.

Parenting is tough. My heart is burdened as I want nothing but the best for our three children and for our church's children and youth. Each phase is handed it's own difficulties, but at the same time, many joys.

Right now, I'm dealing with talk-backs, stares, comments such as "No", "You don't know anything" or "Cool, whatever" and I am learning to keep my cool. It's just a phase I tell my self, but I can't neglect this phase, or I have lost it forever with my children.

If you are a parent, a grandparent, or a neighbor who has children near by, know that they need you. How's your heart? Does it break for others? Do you want nothing but the best for them? If so, give them your all.

I have been experiencing some new "firsts" with Aaron recently. Aaron and I have "tag-teamed" the yard. He cuts and I trim. I love it, and he has not complained yet!

But we get to share some special time together as Father and Son and I get to teach him a few things about yard work and he teaches me a few things about lightening up alittle.

Last night, I drove Aaron and Alayna home from youth group. I almost got home, but turned around and drove to a remote area along County Route 210. I put the van in park and said, "Aaron you are going to drive us home." His reply, "I've never done this! I can't!" We went back and forth for 5 minutes as to why he can/why can't he do this. Finally I said, "Aaron, back when I learned, I did not have the luxury of new housing developments where roads were empty. I had the busy streets of Belle Vernon to learn on. I got over my fears and learned." We inched out onto CR 210. (I was scared to death as was Alayna!) He pulled out, both hands SO tight on the wheel! We got to our first intersection and he stopped hard and the van stalled and turned off. He put it in park, turned the ignition and got it running again. We turned left and were headed home. He passed a car and with fear in his face, smiled, and said, "I can do it!"

I got home, sat down in my chair and smiled. Today, I spent time with my son and watched him drive on the road for the first time. Take time with your kids, remember, "It's just a phase."

"We can still dress Aaron cute" phase

"Dad, I want to do everything you do" phase

"The Big 15" Phase! 

"Strong enough to out paddle his dad" phase

 

The Journey of 2013

Dear Friends,

I finally get a moment to post pictures of the journey to Florida from Pennsylvania. The last month and a half has been such a memorable time for us. I would like to say thank you to all the special friends and family who have made this journey so dear and smooth. You are a blessing to the St. Clair Family! Below are pictures of the journey! Thank you all!

Click on the picture to see larger.

Bishop Tom saying some very kind words. I am grateful for his leadership and love for all his pastors and families. 

Sharing God's Word at Annual Conference June 2013

"The Power of the Connection" Psalm 139

Just a slab and beginning to make progress! 

A moment at the Cross at Jumonville

One of Alayna's last times on the Riding Mower! 

Now that is a team! 

A stop at King Cones! 

Some of the MANY boxes destined for FL!

A special night at PNC Park! 

Celebrating Nanny and Pappy's 42nd Wedding Anniversary!

Last Day of School at Northwest!

Moving Party at Nanny and Pappy's

A great school! 

Abby and Olivia doing Hula Hoop demonstrations

Jenn and Jenn with Meter Man! 

Dad making a presentation to Bishop Tom and Family on behalf of Episcopacy Committee

Pappy and his little page granddaughter! 

Three generations at Annual Conference 2013

Honestly, Dad is NOT that little! 

Dear friend, Dr. Bob Todd making Imagine No Malaria presentation at Annual Conference

Leah Hall and John Pincek who helped with the message with their incredible gift of music! 

A memorable moment with the family! 

Love you Hall family! 

Now that's a group! 

Fellow Board of Ordained Ministry colleague and friend, Eric

Friends Deryl and Pam Larson, I had the joy of serving with him at Baldwin Community! 

A good friend, THE Rev. Ross Pryor! 

Shawn and Colin with me on Ordination Sunday! 

Shawn, Colin and Laura with PJ on Ordination Sunday! 

Good friend and Youth Director at Christ Community, Cherie. It was the last time we saw each other before we moved. 

A dear brother and Bishop, Bishop Tom Bickerton and wife Sally. 

Alayna with her good friend Peyton

Abby and her cousin Katie. Looks like Maddie was up to bat next! 

You can do it Alayna! 

Moving Day! 

Jenn, Aaron and Alayna on Moving Day! 

Abby with a big piece of wood in foot, a trip to MedExpress on Moving Day

Thanks to the Melders for the Camper while our furniture was in route! 

Thanks Dave and Nancy for the Hospitality! 

Last night of Softball in Butler! 

Alayna pitching the night game vs Center Twp. 

Our greatest cheerleader, Dylann and Abby! 

Abby with her BFF! 

Jordan and Jon playing on my last Sunday

Director of Connectional Ministries at Christ Community and friend, James

Good friend Larry who is being called into ministry from Christ Community! He just finished preaching at another church and ran over to say good-bye! I'll miss our lunches and talks! 

A great family- The Allshouses! 

My great friends - Sam and Karen! Love you both! 

This was really becoming quite a crew... I'll leave it at that! 

Some of the youth who had us over at the Melder's House for dinner the night before we moved to FL! 

A last photo of some of the neighborhood gang in Butler! 

Moving Day for the family! 

Last pic in front of house in Butler! 

Dad left his iPad in Butler so we made a stop to drop it off with Aunt Peggy and Uncle Warren! 

Someone didn't make it far! 

Alayna at a gas station in WV

At the New River Gorge for lunch

Poor Hershey didn't have a clue what was happening! 

Me and my bride at New River Gorge

The Bridge at New River Gorge

Can you hear me Alayna? 

Virginia Countryside

Coming upon Charlotte! 

First night in Hotel, they put all 9 of us in one room! 

I took a pic because this is rare, sitting with coffee and reading a morning paper! 

Hershey found Aldi's on our morning walk in Rock Hill, SC

King cat, Jack leaving Hotel! 

At a rest stop in Georgia or maybe South Carolina! 

Queen Gema! 

Let's Go Aaron! 

Jax on the horizon! 

He loves his dog! 

We made it to Florida! 

Alayna had a headache and was not happy to stop! 

Our finished house! 

Home, Sweet Home! 

First morning in Florida, we stayed at a hotel on the beach in St. Augustine

Sunrise in St. Augustine

Our new development, Aberdeen! 

We are now homeowners! 

Our first guest, Pastor Debbie welcomed us! 

Nice to see the "Sold" sign! 

First night with nothing to do, since the moving truck is still a week away! 

Picking Jack up from Kennel

First time in our community pool! 

Our first PA guests - The Widdersheims! 

Moving truck is here! Wahoo! 

A great crew! 

Abby enjoying her Five Guys! 

Thanks Pastor Debbie for the Sparklers on July 4! 

We found my old HS Basketball Jacket and it fits Aaron! 

First time at the beach as FL residents! Look how well Aaron is doing! Praise God! 

Some big shells Alayna and Aaron found!

Top of Bank Of America Building in Jacksonville, FL

Alayna pitching

Abby catching

A cool crew at Christ Community!

Alayna and Abby at their Dance Recital

"Dahntown" Pittsburgh on a nice May evening! 

An incredible shot I got of the fields in Butler coming home from Annual Conference!