Blog
Town Center Church publishes a bi-weekly newsletter that provides important information and updates to the congregation. Beyond those informational updates are thoughts and testimonials from our Town Center Church Childcare Director, Ivanna Stuart, and our brother in Christ, Kerry Lighty. We hope you will take some time to check back here regularly and read their thoughts and insights into some of our teachings here at Town Center Church.
A Source of Life and Connection
Musings from the Pew by Kerry Lighty | July 26, 2024
Have you ever heard of Greensburg, Kansas? Maybe, maybe no. By a show of hands, do you know what they are “famous” for? Judging from the wee number of folks who can respond affirmatively, that means most of us haven’t a clue. Well, let’s go deep! (That’s so dreadful.)
Greensburg is purportedly home to the world’s largest hand-dug well. It is called the Big Well, and it measures 32 feet wide and 109 feet deep. Construction began in 1887 and took almost two years to complete. Once finished, the well provided water for the steam locomotives of the Kingman, Pratt, & Western rail line, a subsidiary of the Santa Fe. Further, it also served as a supply of water for the residents of the town.
The Big Well was a hub of connection. It was a place where trains stopped to refill with water. Without water, the steam engines could not operate or continue to their next rendezvous point. The Big Well was also a source of life for the people. Greensburg is classified as a humid subtropical climate, meaning that is hot and dry. The ones living there needed water to survive, especially in the arid environment.
You and I may have never heard of Greensburg, Kansas and the Big Well before today. However, the people who have lived there throughout the years and reside there now, know how important the well has been to their community. It truly has been a source of life and connection to them.
As we reflect on our church, our community and our legacy, let’s focus on being a source of life and connection, like the Big Well. Everyone might not have heard of Mooresville, Indiana and Town Center Church, but that’s okay. For those who have and have yet to hear, let’s keep our mission in front of us and vision clear. There is no better place to find connection than with fellow Christ followers. And there is only One Source of Life - that is Jesus.
“But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes
a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”
Jn. 4:14 (NLT)
The First and the Best
Musings from the Pew by Kerry Lighty | July 12, 2024
Have you ever participated in a white elephant gift exchange? I’m sure many of us have at some point. But what exactly is a white elephant gift? Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a white elephant gift in a couple of ways. First, as an object no longer of value to its owner but of value to others. And secondly, as something of little or no value. So basically, a white elephant gift is something that has no value or meaning to you and costs you nothing to give away.
Do we treat our tithes to God like a white elephant gift, something that costs us little? Do we give only that which we know we do not need? Tithing is to be an act of faith, not faith in ourselves, but trust in God.
The Bible commands that “the best of the first fruits” be brought to the house of the Lord. The first fruits were the first of the harvested crops or of the firstborn of their livestock, a tenth of the produce of the land. It was to be set apart to God as holy meaning - it was to be the best. Offering the first crops of the harvest and firstborn animals exhibited faith that God would continue to provide additional produce to sustain the people throughout the year. Giving the best of the harvest expressed that the people’s utmost and finest belonged to God Almighty. (See Lev. 27:30 & Eze. 44:30 for further study.)
For us today, we should look at our paychecks as being equivalent of a harvest. Giving 1/10 would be in money. I view the first 1/10 based on the gross amount of the paycheck before all the deductions and taxes are made. This is akin to giving our best and unblemished to God. What remains is enough to sustain us until the next “harvest.”
Take some time this day to examine your giving habits. Are you giving God the best of the first fruits? Or are your offerings more like white elephant gifts? Remember that Abel's offerings were acceptable to God, while Cain’s were not (Gen 4:3-7). If need be, ask God to help you develop the discipline of tithing. As you step out in faith, God will reward your obedience. To this I can testify.
“As you harvest your crops, bring the very best of the first harvest to the house of the Lord your God.”
Ex. 23:19a (NLT)
Old Faithful
Musings from the Pew by Kerry Lighty | June 28, 2024
Have you ever been blessed to visit Yellowstone National Park? What an amazing place to experience. One of the main attractions is Old Faithful. This geyser spews hot water up to 185 feet into the air in what seems to be regular time intervals. However, that interval is really not all that steady or consistent. Per Wikipedia, the world-famous spigot has blown its top every 44 minutes to two hours since the year 2000. Plus, it has been slowly increasing that average over the last 30 years. Further, the thermal outbursts average anywhere from one to five minutes long. That is quite a bit of wiggle for something nicknamed “Faithful”, at least in my precise world.
What comes to mind when you think about the faithfulness of God? For myself, it’s His love towards me. The flow of God’s love is constant, steadfast, unceasing, relentless and unbroken. There are no fits and starts to the stream, just unending flow. It is not based on what I do or what I don’t do, only on His goodness. He never stops loving me.
His love has been there since my first sign of life and will be present with me throughout eternity. There is no end to God’s love, for He is love and He is eternal.
There is a phrase used throughout the Old Testament. It reads, “His faithful love endures forever.” I have a deeper appreciation of this expression and understand why it was so often repeated. God’s love is faithful, not like the old geyser, which comes and goes on a whim. And His love will last forever long after the water in the geyser has dried up.
So today, if you are in need of encouragement, remember this. Our God is good. Our God is faithful. His love for you is persistent and will endure forever.
Amen and amen.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.”
1 Ch. 16:34 (NLT)
Evil Whispers
Musings from the Pew by Kerry Lighty | June 14, 2024
How would you define gossip, as in the verb? I found it hard to express mainly because I didn’t have a good understanding of the exact meaning. So, I turned to several dictionaries. Here are some of the descriptions they offered.
On the surface, these definitions may not seem all that harmful. What is being said, or gossiped, may actually be true and not a lie or falsehood. However, the motive behind saying such things needs to be examined. Often the intent is to tarnish the reputation of the one being spoken about, maybe not to the extent of slander, but it does not matter in God’s eyes. It is still a sin.
In 2 Cor. 12:20 (NKJV), Paul lists a variety of things he does not want to find in the church at Corinth when he comes to visit. In the translation referenced, is a word “whisperings.” The word in Greek is psithurimos and means gossip. When gossip is about other people, it is almost always done when the other person is not present. You can envision this being done in secret, or quietly with whispers. Confidential details relayed to willing ears without permission will break the bond of trust between two parties. This can be very damaging to the relationship.
Here are some ways we might gossip and might not even realize it.
Dear ones, gossiping is easy. Yet, we must remember that God hates such talk. This week, let’s watch what we say and avoid listening to those want to pass along gossip. Instead, let our conversation be used for building up one another.
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for
necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”
Eph. 4:29 (NKJV)
Working for Joy
Musings from the Pew by Kerry Lighty | May 31, 2024
Do you remember your last year of high school and wondering what you were going to do the rest of your life? I was like every other teenager in that regard. However, I knew that I liked math. How many of you are fond of math? Ooh, I might have just lost my readership with that question. Oh wait, I see that hand! Thanks, Pastor Doug, for hanging in there with me.
While being able to solve math problems is one thing, it is another to earn a living by using algebra and trigonometry. After graduating from high school, I thought I might want to be an engineer, not really knowing what they do. I found a school willing to take my money in exchange for further training and on my merry way I went to Rose-Hulman.
One of the things I have learned about being an engineer is that I often get to solve problems in creative ways. As we know, mankind was made in the image of God. Perhaps the most fundamental way this truth is manifested is through creativity. God is the Master Creator. We humans are keen to create things. Being creative gives us enjoyment. When you can be creative at your place of employment or what you do for a living, then it doesn’t seem like “work” and certainly not drudgery.
Further, when you perform an activity you enjoy, you tend to do it with excellence. If you examine the top musicians, artists, athletes, scientists, or anyone else considered the best in their field, you will notice that they relish what they do. That is what drives them to be the best they can be.
If you find yourself in a season where you are wondering what to do with your life, examine the interests you like to pursue or activities you are good at. These God-given abilities and skills will allow you to be creative. Then find opportunities in the work place to not only earn a living but also gain enjoyment. It will be then that you will feel fulfilled, and you will be following your God-given purpose in life.
“And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God.”
Ecc. 5:19 (NLT)
For Such A Time As This
Musings from the Pew by Kerry Lighty | May 17, 2024
Scrawled across the large billboard were the words “For such a time as this.” Eye-catching for sure, but it soon dawned on me that it was a reference to the show playing at the Sight and Sound Theater in nearby Branson, Missouri, a show I would soon experience. The show was simply titled "Esther.”
I’m sure you are familiar with the Biblical story of Esther. While living in captivity, her parents died when she was young. She was then adopted and raised by her relative Mordecai. Through a series of events, Esther wound up being the Queen of Persia and Media, a powerful nation at that point in history.
During this time, an enemy to the Jews rose to power within the kingdom. Mordecai pleaded with Esther to approach the King noting that perhaps she was made “for such a time as this.” In doing so, Esther would be risking her life, and she could be killed if she offended the King in any manner. As the story continues, Esther found favor with the King and was able to prevent the slaughter of her people. Then the tables turned, and the enemies of the Jewish people were eradicated.
Have you ever considered your own life as to when you were born in the human timeline? Like, it could have been in the Middle Ages, or in the future or during the days of Jesus, but it wasn’t. Certainly, we get our biological DNA from our parents, but have you thought about the spiritual aspect? Our spirits are God breathed. It comes from Him. Tied to our spiritual nature are some of our personality and character traits. He could have chosen another body of flesh and bones in which to birth our spirits, yet He chose ours at this specific instance in time. Why was that? Just take a moment to ponder that.
You and I were made special with intent and care, indeed with a purpose in mind. Perhaps we will be in the spotlight like Queen Esther or have more of a faithful nurturing role like Mordecai. Maybe we are just one of the many dutiful saints who will pray for the salvation of their people. Nevertheless, you and I were made for such a time as this. So today, take heart, be encouraged, and go live the life God planned for you.
“Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”
Esther 4:14b (NLT)
A Bullhorn
Musings from the Pew by Kerry Lighty | May 3, 2024
When I was in my early thirties, I received a vision from God. It really was just a single image or word. That image was of a bullhorn. You know, a megaphone so that one’s voice can be heard from a distance. And God was telling me that I was to be a bullhorn for Him. I wasn’t quite sure what to do with that and if you know me, you don’t have to think too hard to understand why that might be.
Ever since I was little, I have never been one to talk much. Some might have an inkling to think that is still true today. Okay, virtually everyone would say that is still the case today. Even so, I have endured endless teasing and ribbing for my quiet nature most of my life. It took a lot of courage for me to speak to others, especially those I did not know, when I was younger. Needless to say, ain’t no way this guy was going to be a loud spokesperson for God! I know all things are possible, but…nope.
As I look back over my life, I realize there have been ways Jesus has changed me and even used me as a spokesperson. First, on more than one occasion, people had said about me, “he doesn’t say much, but when he does, you should listen.” This sentiment has been quite humbling and speaks to the wisdom that God has infused to the few words He prompts me to utter in various circumstances.
Another way God has gifted me is through writing. I have been fortunate enough to not only create pieces for our little newsletter that is viewed by a few but had works utilized by large Christian publishing houses in their educational tracts and spread across the country. This has given my words breadth in addition to depth. Again, quite humbling how God has blessed the gifts given to me.
Finally, over the course of my career at work I’ve heard things like, “I’ve never seen you get upset” and “You’re one of the real ones” from my non-Christian co-workers. Perhaps the best way to use “words” is to live them out where others can see them. It’s been amazing to see how God has worked in my life.
As I think about an image of a bullhorn, I may not be loud or vocal in the traditional sense. Yet, somehow, Jesus has turned my quiet life into a continual sounding megaphone for Him. My words, rather spoken, written, or lived out, all point to Him and the work He has done in me.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Mt 5:16 (NLT)
Live Generously Like a Robin
Musings from the Pew by Kerry Lighty | Apr. 19, 2024
Have you ever considered the birds of the air? No, really. I’m being serious here. Since its spring time, let’s ponder the ever-popular American Robin in order to narrow our focus. Have you seen any skinny, rib-protruding Robins sulking around? Perhaps there are some at the street corner with a “Will work for food” sign? Maybe you have noticed the feathered creatures dropping from the sky due to starvation? Yeah, me neither.
Robins seem to have no problems finding juicy earthworms or grubs. Depending on the time of year, they may feast on other insects or plump berries of various kinds. One thing is certain, they never seem to run out of food. And judging by their shear numbers, they are quite good at propagating. Further, the mother Robin doesn’t hoard food, but willingly shares her bounty with her chicks. They have learned to be generous.
Are you up for a little bird math? It is estimated that there are 370 million American Robins in North America. Let’s say each bird consumes two earthworms during the warmer months or half the year. After some fancy noodling that computes to 135,050,000,000 earthworms each year! That’s a couple of invertebrates and the soil never seems to run out of worms, at least I’ve never witnessed a worm shortage.
So back to the original question - have you considered the birds of the air or the simple American Robin? Robins don’t think about food, because God cares for them. He provides abundantly for them. In turn, the adult Robins can be and are generous to their offspring.
Perhaps we can learn from our winged friend the Robin. I’m not suggesting we go foraging for worms and berries. However, we can be generous with the resources God has entrusted to us. Most certainly, we are of more value to Him than the birds of the air. We don’t need to worry or be afraid about the future. Therefore, we should live in the freedom that He will take care of us.
This next week, let’s look for opportunities to be generous. Let’s be on the lookout for ways to share our time, money, and talents with those we encounter. And do so without giving a thought to “losing” our treasures.
“Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?” Mt 6:26 (NLT)
Barabbas - The Great Escape?
Musings from the Pew by Kerry Lighty | Apr. 5, 2024
In our day when someone passes, it is almost customary for some to assume the person is going to heaven. People will make comments of how they are “in a better place.” On their birthday they may wish them a “happy heavenly birthday” and so forth. Yet, the deceased may have never professed a relationship with Jesus or demonstrated any Christ-like qualities.
Have you ever wondered why people tend to believe and say such things? I think it is because people tend to genuinely believe in Heaven. They also seem to think most folks are basically good and will be allowed to get in. Only those who are really, truly evil will be excluded.
You will no doubt recall the story of Barabbas. He stood before a human judge, one who had the power to give him life or death. Being a criminal, Barabbas was set to die for his deeds. However, Pilate, his judge, was persuaded by the pleas of the people to release him. Barabbas was pardoned and “set free” by the court of public opinion. Barabbas must have thought he escaped death that day by his own good merits.
Barabbas likely went on his merry way thinking nothing more of his great escape or the man who took his place on the cross that day. Yet, it was the man who switched with him that could have truly set him free. It is not known if Barabbas ever changed his ways. If he didn’t and when death finally did catch up with him, there certainly was no court of public opinion or human judge to help him escape his eternal punishment.
The Bible is clear there is only one way to heaven and that is through Jesus. Further, it states the road is narrow and few find it. Hoping and wishing that being good enough, quite frankly, is not going to be good enough. There will be no great escape when death comes calling.
Perhaps up to this day, you have never had a relationship with Jesus. Understand this: Jesus went to the cross for Barabbas. That was His plan all along. Jesus loved Barabbas and wanted him to be truly set free. He also went to the cross for you and me. Make no mistake, we are Barabbas in the story.
Today could be the day that changes the course of your life. He loves you too and wants you to be free, to live with Him forever, both here on earth and in heaven. Jesus has been calling your name from the cross to come to Him. If you want to start a relationship with Jesus, please say this prayer now:
“Jesus, I want to begin a new life with You. I’m sorry for the things I have done in my life. Please forgive me. I ask that You come into my heart and begin to transform me into the person you want me to be. In Your Name, Amen.”
“But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.”
Mt 7:14 (NLT)
Love One Another...Like Ice Cream?
Musings from the Pew by Kerry Lighty | Mar. 8, 2024
Everybody loves ice cream, right? Chances are, if you have a pulse, you like ice cream. You may not agree that black cherry vanilla is the best, but then you would just be straight-up wrong like Pastor Doug wearing Crocs on Sunday while preaching wrong.
The Bible commands us to love one another. Is that similar to loving ice cream? Eh, probably not. Ice cream is something that gives you enjoyment. The love for others the Bible speaks of generally refers to serving others. And there is a wide array of ways to serve people.
Yet, there is a less obvious way to love others and one that makes people feel special. That is by honoring them. This may not be something that we think about very often.
So, what does it mean to honor each other? Should we hold appreciation dinners and bestow fancy awards on the honoree? Perhaps we should hold them in high esteem like black cherry vanilla ice cream? Well, sometimes these actions are appropriate, but there can be other simpler ways to honor people, especially those who don’t prefer the limelight. Below are a few suggestions. You may think of more as you reflect on the list.
Honoring others is about giving them value and respect. It is saying and acting out, “I see you and you have worth.” It is not about whether they “deserve” it or not. We were all once in a place, and even still have those moments, where we aren’t very deserving of being honored. Yet, God still loved us and continues to love us.
As you go about your day, consider how you can honor those who come across your path and those who come into your thoughts. And then do so with gladness.
“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” Romans 12:10 (NLT)
Unity
Musings from the Pew by Kerry Lighty | Feb. 9, 2024
In the picture to the left, you can see four turtles sunbathing. If you look a little closer, you will notice five baby alligators
located over their heads and a sixth one in the upper right of the photo. We snapped this picture at the Florida
Botanical Gardens on our recent snowbird trip.
What is interesting about this image is that turtles and alligators are considered prey and predator. They are not friendly to each other. Alligators will eat turtles and turtles can be violent towards alligators. This photo tends to suggest that they can get along just fine.
While turtles and alligators are both reptiles, they are obviously not the same. Living in harmony doesn’t mean you need to conform with the way others look or act. In fact, uniformity doesn’t guarantee unity.
The key to unlock unity is purpose. People are often united and motivated by single-mindedness. For Jesus followers, that ultimate purpose is to love God and to love others with the knowledge that loving God means to obey His commands.
When the people of God are unified in purpose, they can live in peace with each other. Harmony will abound. And it’s a beautiful thing.
So, consider the turtle and alligator. They are part of a larger animal family and can be natural enemies. Yet, some of these reptiles choose to be at peace with one another. While being different in appearance and manner, their desire to live in harmony with each other can overcome their natural tendencies.
Today, pause and pray for unity. Pray that we may be united in our purpose to love God and to love others more and better. Then thank God for the peace and harmony He has given us as a body of believers.
“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”
Col 3:15 (NLT)
An Invitation
Musings from the Pew by Kerry Lighty | Jan. 12, 2024
I’m sure you have seen or heard someone ask for prayers for a certain situation. The person requesting may not be particularly spiritual. They may use language like “please send good thoughts” or “good vibes”. I’ll admit that I struggle with this.
When I hear a request like this, I have several thoughts scrambling around my brain, many not good. First, like what is a “good vibe”? How about a smack upside the head? Don’t you realize you need God?
Next, you want prayer? I mean, how can someone who is profaning the name of God in one breath have the audacity to seek His hand in the next? That is just not right…
My basic hangup centers on wanting the goodness of God to be exclusive to His children. Not sure where idea came from, but pretty sure it wasn’t from Jesus. Jesus welcomed such requests. He saw them as opportunities to show His love, power, mercy, and goodness.
All throughout the New Testament are stories of Jesus encountering those in need. Many sought Him out asking for help. I don’t recall one instance where anyone was denied by Jesus. The phrase “He healed them all” is prevalent. It doesn’t say some or many, but all. “All” is inclusive. There were no pre-qualifications. You just had to show up and ask.
Now we don’t know if these folks developed a deeper relationship with Jesus or not. We do know that Jesus cared about them and their situation. And He offered them a glimpse of who He was and who they could become. Jesus understood such encounters could be the beginning of a special bond. The same is true today.
With this mind, the first thing I’m going to do is seek forgiveness for being a modern-day Pharisee. My attitude and thoughts are flat-out wrong. Then, the next time I hear a request for prayer no matter how it is stated, I’m going to view it as an invitation for Jesus to show His love, power, mercy, and goodness to a world that desperately needs Him. Next, I will follow up with a prayer for that person and their concern. Perhaps you will join me. I hope you will. Let’s pray for more.
“When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
Mk 2:17 (NLT
Just a Shepherd
Musings from the Pew by Kerry Lighty | Dec. 1, 2023
Of all the characters in the story of the birth of Jesus, it is the shepherds who are probably most often overlooked. They were busy doing their thing- watching the sheep at night when an angel came among them. The Bible says they were “terrified”. I don’t know about you, but I have never seen an angel and I’m pretty sure scared out of my mind would be descriptive.
Then the radiance of the Lord’s glory shown around them. I imagine this meant it was no longer “night” or dark out in the pasture. Have you thought about that before? Again, this was certainly something the shepherds had never witnessed before. Even with the angel reassuring them not to be afraid, I can imagine they were still quite unsure of what was going on or if they could believe their eyes.
The angel goes on to tell them of the birth of Jesus and that they can find Him in Bethlehem. This is proclamation of the Good News and it was for all people. The shepherds were the first to hear about this wonderful report.
But their night of firsts wasn’t over. The angel was joined by a vast host of other angels. Called the armies of heaven, these angels were praising God. After the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds went to Bethlehem…with haste...and no sheep.
The shepherds left everything to go see Jesus. They came to Jesus with nothing to offer. They sought Him because He was the Savior, the Messiah that the angels had spoken of. After meeting Jesus, they told everyone they met about the One and the Good News.
Why the shepherds? They had no special talents, skills, or religious training. They were not rich, famous nor had any social or political sway. Many considered them as outcasts, and they were looked down on. But this much is true; God chose them to be part of His Divine plan.
Some 2000 years later, the Good News of Jesus has continued to be told by faithful “shepherds”. Take time today to thank God for His Divine Plan and for the shepherds who are sharing their story of how they encountered Jesus.
“After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.” Luke 2:17 (NLT)
Faithful Everyday People
Musings from the Pew by Kerry Lighty | Nov. 3, 2023
The photo to the left is the farmhouse and wellhouse of my paternal grandparents. It was built around 1923 in southwest Kansas not too far from the Cimarron Route of the Sante Fe Trail. The picture is somewhat deceiving in that the tree is the only one present on the entire quarter section of land. The ground is otherwise lacking green vegetation. Nevertheless, my grandparents raised eight children in that house.
That modest structure surely saw the extremes of weather- hot, cold, wind, rain, dust, hail, and drought and yet, it still stands. As seen from the patina of the wood, it withstood the assault and dutifully provided safety and comfort over the years. The home might not look like much, but it was enough. It stands as testament to faithfulness.
I’m certain we all know people who have been faithful in serving the church and others. As the precious faces come to mind, they are likely gray-headed, humble souls. Folks who have been tested by all kinds of trials throughout their lives but have remained faithful to their God. They are walking testimonies, examples of perseverance. They may not look like much, but they are children of the Most High God.
I know I am thankful for the weathered saints. They don’t wear capes or masks, but they are real heroes just the same. Life can be hard, difficult, and downright messy. Choosing to be a Christ follower is challenging and life-giving. Seeing others who have persevered inspires me to do the same.
So today, take time to honor the faithful ones that cross your path. They have been a blessing to many and now they are looking forward to their final reward.
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
Jas 1:12 (NIV)
