Tree trimming day

Today, we hired Sean, a local tree trimmer, to trim the lower branches from the big Bois D'Arc tree behind the chapel.  Don got tired of the branches grabbing his hat every time he mowed! :-) Sean did a great job.

And Bro. Dennis did a great job of dragging and piling up the branches. Don drug a few small branches, but that didn't last long before his ticker said, "What do you think you're doing?"  

First really cool day, we will have a bon fire.

Just in case pictures of the buildings being painted all the same color, here are views of the sanctuary from the east side.  We can hardly wait for the new roof which will make it look so much better.

Here is a late afternoon shot of the west side. It is so peaceful here.

The Sycamores Chapel

Rt. 2, Box 2131

Checotah, OK  74426

The Christian flag has a pole!

Chaplain Dennis Maloney has been stretched way outside of his comfort zone and he is doing a great job out there!  Today, he laid the foundation for the flag pole and hoisted the Christian flag in front of the chapel.

Way to go, Bro. Dennis!!

The next breezy day, we will get a better picture of the flag. 

UPDATE:  Caught a breeze!

Here is a picture of the Christian flag so you can see what it looks like.

Today the Christian Flag is one of the oldest unchanged flags in the world. It was conceived at Brighton Chapel, Coney Island, New York, Sunday, September 26, 1897.

Pledge to the Christian Flag

There appears to be more than one version of this pledge to the Christian Flag. One version is:
“I pledge allegiance
To the Christian Flag
And to the Saviour,
For whose Kingdom it stands.
One Saviour, crucified,
risen and coming again,
With life and liberty
for all who believe.” 

Many school children in private Christian schools immediately following the pledge to the American flag turn to the Christian Flag right hand still over the heart and recite:
PLEDGE TO THE CROSS
I pledge allegiance to the cross, of our Lord Jesus Christ,
And to the faith for which it stands, one Savior, eternal,
with mercy and grace for all.

<o})><

The Sycamores Chapel

Rt. 2, Box 2131

Checotah, OK  74426

Fall is here!

Sally and Dennis Maloney taking a break from all the hard work they have been doing, getting The Sycamores Chapel and grounds ready for whoever God brings and for the meetings to be held here next month.

Enjoy the beauty of the season with us.... 

Tuesday night Bible study...

Tonight, we were thrilled to have a couple, Tommy and Kay, from the community, joining us for Bible Study at 6:30. Tommy and Kay, master gardners, have indicated an interest in helping us with the community garden we have a vision for here on the chapel grounds. We had a wonderful time of study and fellowship.  Many thanks for all the prayers for the ministry in this community as we share the love of Jesus.

Matthew 20:1-16 was the text for our study.

The Sycamores Chapel

Rt. 2, Box 2131

Checotah, OK  74426

First Fall Sunday

Chaplain Don Baker going to church. If you look closely you will see a dim round orb on top of his head. He had something humorous to say about that. Come visit us and we will tell you... the rest of the story.

This is how we sing until God calls a worship leader to The Sycamores Chapel. 

It looks like LaVon Baker is leading the singing but she's really only standing close to the CD player so she can change it to the next song chosen. Making a joyful noise. 

God's Word was brought to us by Bro. Richard McCool this morning. To discover the sanctification process of the Believer, check out 2 Corinthians 5 and 6.

Bro. Richard's message begin with:

"Some people will change when they see the Light;

Others move only when they feel the Heat." 

What a glorious Sunday it is.  Cooler temperatures and crystal blue water reflecting the crystal blue sky. 

What are we doing?

We make no apologies for not knowing exactly what God is up to here. That is what "walking by faith" is all about, right?  We could get discouraged. We could get down. We could have a big old pity party. But we are not. We choose to rejoice and be glad in each and every day and YOUR prayers and encouragement are a huge help in our ability to keep on trusting and waiting.  

Don and Dennis were out in the community last week to pass out flyers and met many people. They came back excited and heartbroken.  The harvest is here and we have begun to plant the seeds.  It will take time, but there are hurting and desperate people here who now know that we are here and our door and our hearts are open for them.  We understand that we cannot, nor should we, pound the Bible into anyone.  We are only called to share what we can and love as much as they will allow us.  Please continue to pray for us and all the things and people that The Sycamores Chapel represents in this community.  (As of yet, we don't even know what all that could be, but we know The One who does!)

The Sycamores Chapel

Rt. 2, Box 2131

Checotah, OK  74426

The Sycamore Tree

Just in case you are like me and did not know exactly what a Sycamore tree looks like, this post is for you.  Don brought me a Sycamore leaf and seed pod.

Is Chaplain Don looking for Zaccheus? 

Chaplain Don Baker chatting on the phone. 

The Sycamore Tree makes a really good shade tree and it is my understanding that they grow pretty fast, also. 

Now, we just need to find some Sycamore seedlings to plant at the chapel.

Luke 19

2 There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. 

3 He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. 

4 So he ran ahead and climbed a SYCAMORE tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.

5 When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said.“Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”