Frazier Mountain Community Church

09/02/2026

I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
~ Psalm 16:8
• • •

I am always aware of the Lord's presence in my life. He is near and steadies me.

Forty years ago, I attended a Christian retreat called Cursillo. The four-day-weekend began on Thursday evening and ended on Sunday afternoon. The men's retreat was a week ahead of the women's. And though spouses were encouraged to attend, the gathering was open to all adults.

Those who worked were divided into two groups -- those who worked in the kitchen, cooking meals and providing entertainment, and those who monitored a group of six guests and gave a lay talk, biblical subject matter decided by the leader.

Before the big weekend began, we workers would meet on a weekly basis for about six weeks. These meetings gave us time to get to know one another, engage in worship, sing worship songs, and plan for the weekend. Those who were in charge of a group would write an assigned lay talk and present it to all who worked before the weekend began. They, in turn, would critique it and pass it along with encouraging thoughts and helpful suggestions. The thought was scary. Would I be good enough; could I present God's word in a way that would resonate with the listeners.

I have to admit, I was extremely nervous the first time I was chosen to give a talk. My mind immediately went back to my 8th grade class when our teacher took us into the auditorium to read a poem of our choice up on stage at the podium, microphone at hand. When it was my turn, I froze. I couldn't speak. My classmates patiently waited. My teacher reminded me that there was nothing to fear, that we were all friends. Still, nothing seeped through my lips. I could only stare out into the dark space of that big auditorium, frightened like a deer in headlights, tears welling in my eyes. In spite of my classmates' encouragement and a second chance to try it again along with those who were absent the day of our assignment, I still couldn't do it.

So, as you can see, when I was chosen to give a talk (they say chosen with prayer) how could I possibly say no. I was 35 years old. Certainly, I could do this. Yet, panic filled my insides. Then, I remembered who I was and who I belonged to. I solely focused on God ... my Redeemer, my Deliverer, my Savior, my Counselor, my Encourager, my Hope, my Strength, my Life. I knew 'in Him is where my help comes from, (Psalm 121:2) and He saw me through.

God's unfailing love can see us through anything. 'Fear not', it says in Isaiah 41:10, 'for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

We tend to pray, not my will, but Thy will be done. Let us remember, then, that whatever He asks of us is of great importance. What is it that our Lord asks of you? Whatever it is, big or small, rejoice and be glad when He speaks, when He nudges, when He directs. Follow His lead, for you are doing what He requires. It is you who is chosen, by Him. Let Him lead you into a path of righteousness towards a more meaningful and blessed life. Be not shaken, for He is near to steady you. Amen.

08/26/2026

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.
~ Philippians 1:3
• • •
The Apostle Paul wrote those words to the people of Philippi because he felt a deep gratitude and joy to God for their belief and fellowship in the Gospel ... a fellowship that bonded them together, a fellowship where they helped one another, and a fellowship where they loved and cared for one another. What a wonderful compliment. Surely, a desire of how all Christians should want to be remembered with thanksgiving, both in this life and in the life to come.

I remember a few years ago, Pastor asked each of us to write down on a small piece of paper, given to us before the service began, just how we'd like to be remembered upon our death. Just three or four words to describe us at best; no signatures, please. I do not remember ever hearing about the results or why he had us do this exercise. But indeed, it proved to be a powerful and humbling experience. For the few minutes we were able to reflect on ourselves and our lives, we could see what truly mattered to us in this life ... see if we were living this life with purpose ... see if we should change on how we want to live our lives tomorrow; not only for how we want to be remembered after our time on earth is over, but how we want to be remembered today whenever our names are mentioned.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if one day, people would stand at our graveside and give God thanks for the grace and virtue he had imparted onto us? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if people would say, 'She was a person of steadfast faith' or 'He led a godly life of obedience to God’s commandments.' Wouldn't it be a blessing if they stood at our grave and thanked God for the holy example of grace that God portrayed in each of us?

We at Frazier Mountain Community Church have so much to be grateful for, especially for our brothers and sisters in Christ. We should not only worship and bless God's holy name, but give thanks that He has allowed us to be in a church where we can have such fine fellowship with each person who attends. God has given us a beautiful gift in each other. Should we not, then, look at every person in our congregation and say, 'I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.' Should we not thank God for letting us have a place in each other's lives, even if for only the one hour spent each Sunday at church.

Our fellowship is in the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ, which connects believers with one another and with God. If it wasn't for the Gospel, most of us would have probably never met; for it is the Gospel of Jesus that has brought us all together which sustains our fellowship and friendship.

After we are gone from this life, let us be remembered as a people who set a good example for others to follow in the name of Jesus. Let us live our lives in such a way that people would bow their heads for just a moment and give thanks for the blessing that we have been in their lives. Amen.

08/19/2026

The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.
~ Matthew 13:31-32
• • •

'Most of us will not this week christen a ship, write a book, end a war, appoint a cabinet, dine with a queen, convert a nation, or be burned at the stake. More likely the week will present no more than a chance to give a cup of water, write a note, visit a nursing home, vote for a political leader, teach a Sunday school class, share a meal, tell a child a story, go to choir practice, and feed a neighbor’s cat.' That is a truth, a direct quote from Fred Craddock, a professor from the Candler School of Theology and an ordained minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in rural Tennessee.

Small things ... little things. Small things that sustain us; little things that save us. These are the things that over time can turn into big things.

Jesus said, “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, `Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.” (Luke 17:6)

We should remember and be encouraged to believe that the tiny seed Jesus holds up before us -- watered by God's love and fed by the care and companionship of others -- has life and potential contained within it. Little things becoming big things, amazing things, life-altering things! Our possibilities are limitless, and it all begins with just enough faith to believe it can be true.

Take, for example, going to church. One hour each week spent in worship, teaching, and prayer out of 168 hours in a week. A small amount of time in comparison; yet, in that one small hour each week, we can become saturated with a deep closeness to God and our extended Christian family. When added to one hour the next week and one hour the week after and one hour the week after that, time begins to shape us. Indeed, a little thing becomes a bigger thing in our lives both individually and together.

I was brought up in the Episcopal church ... a cradle Episcopalian, if you will. My father worked on Sundays so it was up to my mother to be sure my brother and sister and I attended church regularly ... and we did. I remember my mother saying when I was a young adult, "If you can stay out til midnight on a Saturday night, you can get up and go to church on Sunday morning!" You see, consistency was big in our family. There were no excuses and certainly no whining allowed, unless of course we were ill; but it seems we were never ill, at least not on Sundays. But, I really did love going to church; and in looking back, there is nothing for which I am more grateful. That hour spent in church each week -- that little thing -- indeed, became a big thing in my life. It not only increased my faith, but brought me closer to God. Learning Jesus' life story in many ways became connected to my own. Little hours accumulating into big hours, shaping me into the person God had intended for me to become, giving me intention and purpose, providing me with high standard morals, and infusing me with optimistic hope. God’s love nesting at the very center of my heart encouraging me to accomplish great things, amazing things. For that alone, I am most grateful.

I think Jesus uses a mustard seed to describe faith so that we can see that something small can grow as big and life-giving as a fruitful tree. Think of it, a tiny seed becoming a tree -- a tree that produces oxygen, shade from the sun, a home for bugs and birds to live in, a tree that produces more seeds. So much life; so much potential in such a little thing.

We, the family of God at Frazier Mountain Community Church, have chosen to plant ourselves at this particular community of faith and in each other’s lives. We have been watered with God’s love through the music of our worship team, and fed God's word by the care of our pastor, and supported with kind-heartedness by the folks, young and old, who faithfully attend each and every week. A little place when compared to mansions, but a big, healthy thing in the eyes of God. We help support one another, not to mention serving others in various ministries in our community. Certainly, we have blessed others as well as being blessed ourselves. We know all too well that small acts of love and kindness accomplish big things. If we lean into one another and care for one another and love one another, we can make a difference in each life that touches ours. We can humbly be made whole and lead a life with purpose by the help of our loving God.

So, let us each water and nurture our mustard seed and become a big tree, a productive tree, a meaningful tree, in God's land of the living. Let us truly see what God can do.

08/09/2026

Fiesta Days

08/09/2026

FMCC Worship Team and message by Pastor Phil

08/09/2026

08/05/2026

Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,
For in You do I trust;
Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,
For I lift up my soul to You.
~ Psalm 143:8
• • •

Do you ever have trouble sleeping? Or should I ask, do you suffer from lack of sleep; not that you can't get to sleep, but that you wake up in the wee hours of the morning no matter how late you go to bed. You lay, you toss, you turn trying your hardest to go back to sleep, but your efforts prove futile. You finally give in, give up, and get up. You try to read, try to write, but nothing works. So, you stare out the window at the darkened sky. You patiently watch as the stars slowly disappear and the morning light begins to appear. And, in that quiet, still silence, something prompts your soul to pray. Could that something, someone, be God. Was it He who awakened you in the wee hours of the morning so that you could experience the wonder of His presence in the light of a new day.

Psalm 118:24 reminds us to be glad and thankful for the specific day God has made. 'This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.'

Lamentations 3:22–23 teaches us that God's compassions do not fail and are renewed with every sunrise. 'Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,

Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness.'

2 Corinthians 4:16 shows that our inner spirit is renewed day by day, giving strength for current trials. 'Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.'

What’s new every day is us. Are you aware of that? 'Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.' (2 Corinthians 5:17) God’s grace is always fresh, always new, and always calling us deeper into this life we are given, for God dwells in us, and we are the newness in this life. His door remains open to all, at all times, even in those early morning hours when we can no longer sleep.

Truly, His door is open to all, at all times, day or night. It's a new day created just for you, giving you an opportunity to listen to God. A new day you won't be the same as you were the day before. "Behold, I am doing a new thing" says God. (Isaiah 43:19)

Each one of us, each day, starts out with a clean slate. God's mercies are new every day. His mercies never end. Amen.

07/29/2026

May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
May the Lord rejoice in His works.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
Praise the Lord!
~ Psalm 104:31 & 35
• • •

There's a story of a family going on a camping trip. It was the first camping experience for their little boy. As they sat looking up at the sky at night, the normally talkative little boy became very quiet. Noticing his long silence, his father asked him what he was thinking. The little boy replied: “I never knew I was so little before."

That is a good description of the feeling of awe.

In that same awareness, there's a Peanuts comic strip, published and authored by Charles M. Schultz, where Charlie Brown and Linus are sitting together looking up at the night sky. After a long silence, Linus says to Charlie, “Where does an atheist go to say, ‘Thank You?'"

That is a good illustration of knowing who we give thanks.

Oh, the beauty of life, the world, and the universe!!! Beautiful spaces turned into sacred places. Imagine for a moment looking up at the night sky -- so big, so beautiful. Suddenly, you are overcome with an overwhelming sense of indescribable awe and wonder. And, in that sudden realization, you instinctively know you're not alone. In that quiet moment, you feel His presence, the God of all creation. He stands beside you as you gaze upward. You murmur the words, 'Oh, God, how manifold, how wondrous, are Your works. In wisdom You have made them all. The earth is full of Your possessions.' (Psalm 104:24) You smile and say, "Thank you, God, I enjoyed that." He smiles back and says, "I'm glad; for I enjoyed it, too."

Awe bridges the gap between our smallness and His vastness. Surely, the gifts of joy shared with you and the Creator of all things -- whether it be the beauty of a sunset, the majesty of a mountain, the roar of the ocean or waterfall, the intricacy and aroma of a flower, the perfect colored rainbow, the incredible capture of a bird sipping nectar from a flower, a whale heaving its mighty bulk exuberantly above the surface of the sea, the incredible height of a redwood, or the scope of the morning or night sky -- are invitations to catch a bit of awe as you feel a deep sense of wonder work within you.

Summer breaks and vacations are drawing to an end. Within a couple weeks or so, kids will return to school and families will again resume their normal routines. However, there is still time to see and experience the awesome-ness of the world we live in. The opportunities to see God's beauty is all around us. Our appreciation for it all should be endless. So, take time to explore it all. Why? Because you never want to lose that inner sense of wonder and that expression of 'oh', or the knowledge of God, or that moment of thanksgiving for Him who created it all.

Pray for a heart that can be awe-struck. Recognize the awe-inspiring images of God in everything you hear, see, touch, and smell. Be refreshed by Him, and share in His enjoyment of all that He has made. Reflect on His glory. Respond with deep and sincere love ... and be grateful; for 'God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.' (Genesis 1:31)

A hymn I learned as a child and sang often comes to mind and overflows my heart with gladness ...

🎶 For the beauty of the earth,
for the glory of the skies,
for the love which from our birth
over and around us lies,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.

🎶 For the beauty of each hour
of the day and of the night,
hill and vale, and tree and flow’r,
sun and moon and stars of light,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.

🎶 For the joy of ear and eye,
for the heart and mind’s delight,
for the mystic harmony
linking sense to sound and sight,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.

🎶 For the joy of human love,
brother, sister, parent, child,
friends on earth and friends above,
for all gentle thoughts and mild,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.

🎶 For thyself, best gift divine,
to our race so freely giv’n,
for that great, great love of thine,
peace on earth and joy in heav’n.
Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.

07/22/2026

🎶 Amazing grace!
How sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost,
but now am found;
was blind, but now I see.
~ John Newton, 1779
• • •

Divine grace ... being saved from lostness and receiving the hope of eternal peace. Isn't that what we all desire.

'And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams … (and) everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Acts 2:17; Romans 10:13)

That is God's amazing grace ... a free gift for you from Him. No strings attached ... it cannot be earned nor something deserved. Just something freely given by God because that is God's nature and God’s genuine love for each of us. Shall we not, then, humbly accept it.

Do you remember the comic strip Dennis the Menace? One strip, in particular, portrayed a vivid picture of grace. Dennis is walking away from the Wilson’s house with his friend Joey. Both boys had their hands full of cookies. Joey asks, “I wonder what we did to deserve this?” Dennis delivers an answer jam-packed with truth. “Look Joey" he says, "Mrs. Wilson gives us cookies not because we are nice, but because she’s nice.” In each of our individual situations like this, our names could easily be replaced for Dennis, and God could be substituted for Mrs. Wilson. The good that comes our way is not because we’re good, but rather because God is good.

Grace is kind of hard to see in our culture these days. It's pretty rare, actually, certainly not seen everywhere. And even when it is visible, I'm not so sure people recognize it. We don't seem to see or recognize when grace is offered at no cost to us and is paid for by the giver. This is amazing grace; truly a gift of unmerited favor from God.

Let me ask you ... have you ever asked someone what they must do to get into heaven? Have you ever been asked that question? The answer replied is generally always the same -- 'to be good.' Most people think that in order to be saved and get into heaven, they need to be good and do good works. But, here's the truth; here's your answer -- it's God's grace! All we have to do is reach out and accept the grace of God. It's His gift to us, freely given. We cannot earn it, only receive it. And that, my friends, is good news. Salvation isn’t based on what we do or don’t do. It's attained simply on God’s love. God loves us just the way we are. We don't have to perform for Him, least not be perfect. All He asks is that we simply be His.

'But, each day I fail', you say. 'How could God accept and bless someone like me?' You struggle day to day. You think you've broken a bad habit, but then a weak moment creeps in and you blow it, feeling yet again like a failure. Even though you know better -- right from wrong -- you still do the unthinkable, the unacceptable. And how does it leave you feeling except dumb, unlovable, filthy, and wretched. All the joy in you is gone. But, don't feel alone. We've all been there, done that. Generations before and after us will experience the same shame and separation from God, wondering as we sometimes do, 'what do I do, to whom do I turn to now to receive the joy and love of the Lord.'

Turning back to God reminds us that the Holy Spirit has washed us clean from our sins (Titus 3:4-7). We’re not made clean by anything we can do, but made clean by the 'kindness and love of God our Savior'. We've 'been justified by His mercy and grace'. We tend to forget that the first time God came to us in our need, we were not perfect. (Romans 5:8) There is nothing we can do to please God or make God happy. Pleasing God is not a prerequisite for receiving His love and grace. We are children of God the Father. He wants us to live in the freedom and forgiveness of His grace. He doesn't like it when we sin, but He loves us just the same. It has to do with that unconditional love and forgiveness thing we so often talk about. God's grace is for you and for me. Let us never fear or question that. Reach out and take it. After all, it's a gift. Recognize God’s unique intervention and trust that something new is being created in you. Be responsive, be humble as you make room for God in your life.

So, let me ask you ... where is God in your life? The invitation to live by grace and to treat others graciously, whether they deserve it or not, is there for us all. Immanuel -- God with us -- still comes our way. He still shows up and arrives in the ordinary. He still interrupts our plans and gets our attention. And, He still asks us to take up the courage to open our eyes and recognize His presence and grace, especially when we feel lost, alone, and forgotten. 'The Lord your God is with you wherever you go' (Joshua 1:9) to save, to heal, to uplift, to forgive, to grace, to love forever and ever. Thank you, God, for gracing me with blessed living and the hope of eternal peace. Amen.

07/16/2026

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
~ Galatians 5:22-23
• • •

Pick one of the fruits listed above and reflect on it through the love of God with your lips, your walk, and your way of life. Perfect it as you practice it today and tomorrow and everywhere you go.

Today, I choose to be kind; and by simply being kind to another, I can show forth friendliness, warm-heartedness, generosity, goodwill, consideration, and affection in a variety of ways. I don't need to be a spiritual giant or a perfect person. I can meet people where they are and try to see them through God’s loving eyes. I can choose to give my best to all whom I meet by offering a simple act of kindness.

Sometimes it is hard for me to remember that God sent Jesus into the world as a human ... a person just like you and me ... a person who was fully human yet fully God ... a person who set a solid and perfect example on how to live and treat others.

In the Book of Luke, Chapter 9, it says that Jesus sent out His disciples to preach the Gospel with nothing but themselves ... no provisions -- no money, no traveler's bags, no food, no extra clothing, no walking sticks. He spoke convincingly that in God’s eyes they were enough; that they could trust God to provide for them. He gave them all the love, gifts, and power they needed to be God’s messengers because they were enough. Know that He has blessed us in knowing that we, too, are enough.

God is always near to breathe life into us and lead us on our journey. He's given us the tools we need to make a difference in the lives of others. When we’ve experienced the love and presence of God in our own lives, how readily we become to share those gifts with others.

The Reverend Peter Marshall, once Chaplain of the United States Senate, and a man I greatly admire, wrote the following prayer which promotes deep compassion, gentleness, kindness, and grace meant to encourage and lift one another's feelings. Contemplate on it, if you will, and reflect on the fruits of the Spirit knowing that, for instance, the simple acts of kindness you show towards someone might be of some good to the one you hardly know, as well as the one you know well.

Help us, O God, to treat every human heart as if it were breaking, and to consider the feeling of others as we do our own. Help us to be gentle, and to control our tempers that we may learn to love one another. Give us the grace so to live this day. In the name of Jesus who loves us all. Amen.