Do churches need mirrors? The answer in more ways than one is yes. We have large mirrors in our restrooms which are greatly appreciated by all who use them. I have one in my office, next to the door so I can take a quick check on my tie and hair before going into the sanctuary on Sunday morning. Churches no doubt need a mirror in another sense also. It is important to be able to see ourselves as others see us.

Having just come through 40 Days of Community there is much that we have learned and much that we have experienced. Throughout the campaign we have been challenged to fulfill the purposes of God, not alone, but together. God has a plan for our lives and a purpose that he wants us to fulfill. But God never intended that we fulfill this plan alone. As individuals we are a part of the whole.

Throughout the 40 Days of Community campaign, reports have come in of people being blessed in extraordinary ways. While some questioned before we started why we were doing something that lasted so long, generally speaking most people felt it went by too fast. The combination of the Sunday services, the daily reading of the book and the involvement in the small groups had a strong impact on any who really took part. In fact the blessing was proportional to the involvement. For any who may have been tempted to ask if anything was accomplished through our 40 Days campaign the answer is that WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND.

Wouldn't it be great if in 5 years, 10 years or even 40 years for those who live so long, we could sit with our kids and our grandkids and say: “Let me tell you about one of the most incredible experiences I was ever a part of. I was a part of the Bridgton Alliance church at a time when God did some things that only God could take credit for, and we were a part of a wonderful ride in this journey with God where he showed up and people's lives were changed and our community was touched and we were forever different because of that day.”

The danger that many churches face today is that they fall contentedly into certain parameters, build up their walls and hide safely behind them waiting for the rapture.

Just imagine what could happen if all those of us who want to do our own thing would actually get together and put our love into action. Imagine what would happen if every small group in our church reached out together, showing love in practical ways to those in our community. Don’t you think that would make a difference? As we prepare for the 40 Days of Community campaign, that is exactly what we are trusting will happen.

If the Bridgton Alliance Church were to suddenly disappear, would anyone notice? Located on highway 117 as we are, if the building were to suddenly vanish certainly those who pass by daily would notice the absence of a building. But what if we closed down the church while leaving the building intact, other than those who attend how many would notice that the church was no longer there. I can’t help but ask: “How many weeks would go by before you noticed?” Even if someone noticed that the church was missing, how many would care?

We are all aware how difficult our cute little kids can be when they reach two years old. There is a good reason why that age is referred to as the terrible twos. Kids at that age begin to discover the world around them, and at the same time they think that the world should revolve around them. That makes for trouble. The church also has a problem with the terrible too(s). However, it is not two--t-w-o, it is too—t-o-o.

I AM A SOLDIER

I am a soldier in the army of my God. The Lord Jesus Christ is my commanding officer. The Holy Bible is my code of conduct, Faith, Prayer and the Word are my weapons of warfare. I have been taught by the Holy Spirit-- trained by experience, tried by adversity and tested by fire. I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity. I will either retire in this army at the rapture or die in this army; but I will not get out, sell out, be talked out, or pushed out. I am faithful, reliable, capable, and dependable. If my God needs me, I am there. If He needs me in the Sunday school to teach the children, work with the youth, help adults or just sit and learn I’ll be there. He can use me because I am there! I am a soldier. I am not a baby. I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed up, pumped up, picked up, or pepped up. I am a soldier. No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me, or lure me. I am a soldier. I am not a wimp. I am in place saluting my King, obeying...

Bushwhacking to the top of trailless peaks in northern New England gives insight into the difficulties and rewards of the Christian's spiritual journey.