Life Lessons

Mission Trip 2010

jeffsuch@comcast.net (Jeff) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 00:55:00 +0000

The youth group at Peters Creek Presbyterian Church will be heading to Scotland this June for a mission trip to work with Calvary Christian Fellowship Motherwell. Stay tuned for more details and updates. www.calvarymotherwell.org watch the video.

Hunting Camp 2009

jeffsuch@comcast.net (Jeff) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 00:13:00 +0000

This past week I went home for Thanksgiving to be with my family and Jen's. It was great to get together with all of them again. As an added bonus I touched base with my good high school buddy Thomas Lee Miller. We talked about where we might be doing some hunting for the opening day of buck season. He said he was headed up to camp and I told him I hadn't yet nailed anything down yet. Tlee said; "Hey why don't you come up to camp?". After I thought about it for a quarter of a second I replied; "Oh yeah, I'm going to camp!!".

It had been almost 15 or so years since I was last at the Big N Little Buck Camp in Elk County. I have so many great memories of being at hunting camp with the guys. I met Tom at his parents and after surprising his mom and getting a big hug we hit the road and headed up to camp. We talked the whole way there catching up on things and next thing I knew we were headed up the big long muddy lane to camp. At last I was back home again.

Once we arrived we hopped out of the car and straight into the camp. Right inside the door was Denny Montgomery and Mr. Miller. Wow...two guys I have the utmost respect for. After hearty handshakes and greetings we launched into a couple hours of conversation catching up on each others lives. Man that was some good stuff. It was just like the good ole days.

The next morning we were joined by one of my best buddies Curtis James Montgomery. He arrived just as breakfast was being served (imagine that, like that has never happened before). Breakfast consisted of pancakes, sausage patties, eggs to order and toast. Man that was good...and I usually never eat breakfast...only at camp. Mr. Miller can make a mean breakfast. It was nice sitting at the table with my buddy Curt and laughing and catching up on things.

After breakfast we hit the big woods for a bit of scouting for the big opening day. We decided to hike up the hill to our spots for the next day. We spent an hour or two scouting the place out where we would take down the trophy that Denny spotted a few days earlier. After our hike and a few pictures we headed back down the hill to camp where Tom took one of the 12 naps he would register that day. The rest of us talked, got gear ready and relaxed.

After a great dinner of burgers we took time to jot down some thoughts in the camp journal and welcomed the last two hunters to camp Ben and Remington. Then it was off to sleep.

Monday morning the first day of buck season we were up at o dark thirty (4:30). Mr. Miller had breakfast ready,we ate and headed out to our stands. After a wet cold walk to the stand I got turned around in the dark and had to search for a bit until I found my spot. After I got situated I took a seat and waited for shooting hours to begin (6:49). It didn't actually get light until about 7:10 because of the rain and overcast weather. I waited about two hours without seeing a thing and decided it was time to get up and take a walk to see what I could kick out. I saw a couple does and that was it for the day. I spent the rest of the day walking and sitting, walking and sitting and finally got turned around (lost) and spent two hours finding my way out of the 24,000 acres.

What a great day of being out in God's creation. We arrived back at camp and had dinner, packed up and headed back home. Tom and I had another great conversation on the way home. I realized how much I really missed being with my best buds.

I can't believe how quickly time flys and wonder where the years go. As much time as passed I couldn't believe how we picked up where we left off, it really didn't seem like anything had changed. I believe God knew that I needed to be at camp last weekend. It really helped me to remember how much I have. I really love those guys and so appreciate the friendship that we share. I pray I will have more opportunities to get together with them.

Thank you guys for welcoming me back to camp and I look forward to getting back together again real soon.

As The Days Go By...

jeffsuch@comcast.net (Jeff) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:28:00 +0000

I cant believe we just had another fall kickoff. Where does the time go? I am coming up on 1 year as the Lead Pastor at our church. Time has just flown by. We have been so busy trying to make a difference in the lives of others. I think we finally have our momentum back and are moving in a great direction.

As the days go by I am learning more and more about our church family and certainly about myself. I am so thankful for God's goodness and His plan for my life. I never would've pictured myself doing the things I am doing now. I know I would never have had the courage or confidence to step up and out and do the things God has called me to now. I really enjoy what I'm doing and working with the people God has put in my path.

As we move further into this fall season I pray we will continue to listen for His still small voice and be faithful to what He is calling us to do. I truly believe our best days are ahead of us.

Let's hold on for the ride of a lifetime.

New Addition to the Family

jeffsuch@comcast.net (Jeff) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 23:03:00 +0000

Well...it's not a new baby. It's a new puppy. Yes...Jen finally broke down and said the kids could get a new puppy. The first dog we tried didn't work out so well...maybe two or three days. It was a hyper beagle from the humane society. This is a Shih Tzu. His name is Harley and he comes home next Friday. We are going over to Ohio to pick him up. Needless to say the kids are excited and I think mom is too.
Pray for us...this is a big step in the Such household.

Stop by and meet Harley sometime.

It's Been Awhile

jeffsuch@comcast.net (Jeff) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:53:00 +0000

First of all I wanted to say I'm sorry for not blogging in awhile. I have been crazy busy as of late. You always think..you know what things are going to slow down soon and they never do. I'm leaving for vacation in 3 days so this is a slow week as I prepare for some time away. Some friends from church have offered our family their place in Myrtle Beach. What a blessing!! They are awesome and we love them.

Lots of great things have been happening at the church and I'll fill you in on that at a later date. Still waiting on a decision from the judge on our church property. Whatever happens...happens...it's in the Lord's hands.

I'll try and update things as we are on vacation...I'll post some pictures too. Our kids always provide some interesting things to blog about.

Hope everything is well in your world...drop me a line and let me know how you are doing. Peace.

Crazy Week

jeffsuch@comcast.net (Jeff) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 23:27:00 +0000

Well it's Holy Week and I love this time of year. I love taking time to reflect on the wonderful gift of our Savior Jesus Christ and what that means in my life. Unfortunately this year I have been so busy that i haven't been able to do that as effectively as I would have liked. This week I have been busy preparing for a Thursday night service, Friday night Service, Saturday night service and 2 Sunday morning services. I'm thankful that God has given me the opportunity to work with such a wonderful church family. I pray this weeks services are a blessing to Him. Please pray for me this week as Satan has been having a hay day trying to disrupt things. Thanks my friends.

Myrtle Beach Outing 2009

jeffsuch@comcast.net (Jeff) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 23:11:00 +0000

I can't believe I've been back almost a week from my trip to Myrtle Beach with a group of guys from the church. Let me tell you something...it very well may have been one of the best times I think I have ever had. I have never laughed so much in my life. These guys are incredible. We ate and golfed and laughed and ate and golfed and ate and laughed some more. Real authentic fellowship. 12 guys from different backgrounds and places coming together for some good old fashioned fellowship. I'm pretty sure Jesus assembled 12 guys to walk with during his ministry. What a hoot. I honestly can't wait for next year's trip. (March 24th, 2010). It's already on the calendar!! Thanks to Mike, Ken, Mike, Steve, Dan, Doug, Dave, Eric, Don, Jim, Terry and Jeff. We will see Carl, Jay, Aldo and Ray next year!! Thanks men for a great trip and for your incredible friendships.

My Friend Jill

jeffsuch@comcast.net (Jeff) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 23:49:00 +0000

Well...I finally have a night when there are no meetings to attend or emails to answer or phone calls to return so I decided it would be a good idea to spend some time updating my blog which I have neglected horribly over the last few months.

I have settled into my new position as the Interim Pastor for our church as we go through some transition. It keeps me extremely busy but I love what I'm doing. God certainly has a way of keeping the job interesting. I continue to work with the Youth and Family of the church and maintain my duties as the Executive Pastor. It is a full plate but I have a great team I work with.

A short time ago I found out that a dear friend of mine from high school learned that she had cancer. It was devastating news for her and her family. Frankly I was pretty upset too. She is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet and it just didn't make sense. Why Jill? I suppose we all wrestle with that "Why" question but this time it made me mad. She is a great mom and wife and had a awesome love for God. It just didn't make sense.

We have talked and written several times over the last number of weeks after losing touch for almost 20 years. I believe God reunited us for a reason. Jill has an incredible husband who loves her more than anything and they both have an unshakable faith. Together they have leaned on God through this terribly trying time and they have held onto the promises of His Word. I'm so thankful for their friendship and for the example they set with their faith.

Please pray for my friend Jill and for her family. Our God is good and is love endures forever.

Spring-The Good-The Bad-The I Just Don't Know

jeffsuch@comcast.net (Jeff) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 23:38:00 +0000

This spring has been rather difficult. Usually for me spring is a time of new beginnings and all things new. I'm excited about Easter and the fact that summer trips are just around the corner. I got to do a wedding for a really great couple last weekend and see them off to a fresh start. It's usually a really happy time of great expectation. This year things have been a little different. We have had at least 6 or 7 funerals this spring already. I learned that a few of the people I am close to have cancer and others are being deployed overseas. It's been a troubling time. But I guess that's kind of how life goes...there's the good, the bad and the I just don't know kind of days.

A New Hobby

jeffsuch@comcast.net (Jeff) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 23:23:00 +0000

So I picked up a new hobby over the last month. I got together with some of my good friends and accountability buddies and they took me out shooting at the range. I decided to get a handgun and they helped me pick out a Glock 45. It is pretty sweet if I do say so myself. We then added a Ruger SR9 to the collection. My personal favorite. We have a great time hanging out at the range and doing some target shooting. It allows us some great time to enjoy God's creation, talk and catch up with one another. I really missed shooting since I left the Army those many years ago. We are starting a Sportsmen's ministry at the church in a month or so to help teach Gun Safety and as an outreach to some of our unchurched friends who like to hunt and shoot. We'll see where God leads this new ministry.

Legal Defense Fund

jeffsuch@comcast.net (Jeff) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 01:20:00 +0000

Hey everyone...Our church has just established a Legal Defense Fund to help with the legal costs that we continue to incur as a result of the battle we are in for the church property. Please take time to visit our Legal Defense Fund website: www.pcclegaltruth.org and please make a donation to help us as we move forward. Thanks so much for your help.

Jeff

Winter Blast 2009 Update

jeffsuch@comcast.net (Jeff) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 23:11:00 +0000

Well, we are down to a day and a half before we head north to what could possible be the best Winter Retreat ever. Not only is Jay Higham speaking but Justin Bowers and Brandt Fuller are leading worship this weekend. (Well at least Brandt will be there Friday night). What a blessing. It's gonna rock. We have a lot of first time students coming along so praise God for the opportunity to share the Good News with them. I'll make sure to post pictures and an update when we get back. Stay tuned...

Wow...What a slacker...

jeffsuch@comcast.net (Jeff) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 02:13:00 +0000

Man...I'm so sorry I've been away for way too long...I hope to get on here in the next few days and get this thing updated...I've been running non-stop...my bad.

What...wait....

jeffsuch@comcast.net (Jeff) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 00:18:00 +0000

Tomorrow is really Christmas Eve...wow...time sure is flying by!! I've been so busy that I really don't know what day it is most of the time. Busy is good. I'm so thankful for the great work God is doing at Peters Creek Church. Time flys when you're having fun....see you at the services tomorrow night!! More later...

Why?

jeffsuch@comcast.net (Jeff) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:40:00 +0000

I had my regular Wednesday Bible Study last night with the Senior High Students and one of the students invited a friend who asked the greatest question ever...Why?

Several times throughout the study of the Book of Proverbs he asked the question...Why? After the study finished he asked...Why?

He said..."A lot of my friends are telling me I should come to Winter Blast this year...but Why should I go?

I love when students ask that question because it means that they are listening and searching and checking things out for themselves. I told him that he should go so he could investigate what Christianity is all about. I told him to come and check it out and make a decision for himself. No one can make it for him...it's something between him and God. I think he is going to come and check it out.

I've said it before...I love the Sr. High Bible Study.

A Journey Through The Woods

jeffsuch@comcast.net (Jeff) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:38:00 +0000

I took my annual journey through the woods over Thanksgiving break. Hunter and I went out on Thanksgiving Day and traversed all over Walton Hill and through the farms fields. The snow was deep but we had a good time enjoying God's creation.

On Friday I went over to my Dad's farm with my brother in laws, Josh and Joe. We hit the woods with my dad and spent 3 or 4 hours walking in the beauty of Deer Creek Woods. It was awesome. We didn't shoot anything and the hunting wasn't exactly good but we sure enjoyed each others company and spending time in the quiet of the woods.

I noticed so much has changed since I last hiked through the woods. The local Beaver family changed the whole landscape and made several new ponds and diverted the creek further east. It was a whole new world in there.

I wish I could journey through the woods every day. Oh well...I look forward to the next time I can get away.

Whew...

jeffsuch@comcast.net (Jeff) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 23:50:00 +0000

So things have been pretty much a whirlwind lately. I was officially installed as the Interim Pastor at our church last week and things have been full speed ahead since then. I continue to preach 3 times a weekend, lead Sunday school, youth group and Bible study and everything else I used to do. Amazingly enough, I am not too tired and God has been so good.

I did the funeral for a church member and friend this week and that was really hard. That is one of the hardest things for me.

Sorry I haven't been on here more but things have been crazy. I'm taking some time this week to enjoy Thanksgiving and do some hunting. We will be up home in Meadville. We'll be back Saturday to start all over again.

Deployed

jeffsuch@comcast.net (Jeff) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 01:09:00 +0000

I've been wrestling with something for the last couple of weeks. It's one of those things that nags at you and catches up with you when you sit down and all is quiet, or when you lay down in bed and all you have is time to think. It's kinda like the question "why" that you really don't have an answer to.

I found out a few weeks ago that one of our church members/newlywed/new dad is being deployed to Iraq just after the first of the year. He is in training now and will only be home for 10 days before he is deployed. He has only seen his new son once and that was the day he was born. This has been hard on his wife who is home with the baby and raising him by herself. We too often forget about the sacrifice that those who remain at home make. It has really been gnawing at me the last two weeks. What can we do to help her through this tough time? What can we do to give James a proper send off on the 28th of December? How do we provide sufficient ongoing pastoral care in the months and years to come? How do we honor their sacrifice and service?

I remember being deployed for Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield. I remember the emotions that came and went and how people at home dealt with things. But that was me. It's different when it is someone else. I often fight this guilty feeling of why not me? I've been through it before...let me go. Sometimes I want to jump back in the fight and defend ole glory and protect the freedoms that we have. I want to help those who are in need and oppressed. A part of me misses the U.S. Army. Once a soldier...always a soldier. I guess it's time to turn things over to a new generation.

They are very capable and very motivated. They see a cause greater than themselves. I guess it's time to play that support role and encourage them as they serve.

This Sunday is Veterans Sunday. The Sunday we acknowledge all those who have served and sacrificed for our country. It's also about their families and all that they have sacrificed as well. Here is a video I will be showing this Sunday during worship. Please take time this weekend and next week to remember those who gave so much for you and me. Let's all remember that Freedom is not really free.

Attitude

jeffsuch@comcast.net (Jeff) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:12:00 +0000

Well...it's over...finally...it seems like the election went on and on and on. That's because it did. Now it's time to move on. I am disappointed McCain lost and disappointed that Obama won, but it is what it is and God is still on the throne. It was fun poking at my liberal friends and they had fun poking back, I guess it's all part of the process. We really need to learn not to take ourselves so seriously.

This weekend I will be talking about attitude at our 3 worship services.

For the most part we (as a people) generally have pretty bad attitudes about stuff. We have really lost the joy of our salvation. I will be teaching from the Book of Philippians. We will look at Paul's attitude as he was locked in chains yet remarkably had a joyful attitude and unlike us, had a big picture mentality. Oh to be like Paul.

Maybe what we really need is an attitude adjustment. I don't know about you...but I think I'm do for another one. Keep your chin up...He said that He would never leave us or forsake us. I believe him.

How's your attitude? No...really.

Men's Ministry Update- Tunch Ilkin in March

jeffsuch@comcast.net (Jeff) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:36:00 +0000

Hey Guys check it out. The Band of Brothers Men's Ministry is coming together. We have speakers scheduled for January and March. Pastor Dean Weaver from Memorial Park Church will be with us in January and Pittsburgh Steeler Tunch Ilkin will be with us in March. March will be a Father/Son breakfast. I will get the exact dates out to you soon. Still working on booking our guests for December and February. If you have some ideas of someone you would like to have come and speak please let me know.

New Update Coming Soon

jeffsuch@comcast.net (Jeff) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 22:38:00 +0000

I promise to update the blog soon...things have been crazy busy...

Check It Out

jeffsuch@comcast.net (Jeff) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:36:00 +0000

NEW MINISTRY
Band of Brothers
Men’s Ministry
Starting Saturday December 6th, 2008

Calling all Men…on Saturday December 6th, 2008 we will kickoff our new Men’s Ministry “Band of Brothers”. The plan is to meet the first Saturday of every month for breakfast, fellowship and a devotional for us to wrestle with as we walk with God. We will meet in Hinman Hall from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00a.m.. We will have a special guest speaker on the 6th as we kick things off.

The slogan for the Band of Brothers is three words: Courage-Humility-Unity.
In this ministry of the Band of Brothers, we will strive to live and relate to each other with the Courage of the Father who was willing to sacrifice his Son, the Humility of the Son who was willing to die for us, and the Unity of the Spirit - currently residing in all believers. Be sure to mark your calendars now and plan on inviting a friend or two as we get together to launch this new ministry.

The Big "11"

jeffsuch@comcast.net (Jeff) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 22:40:00 +0000

Are you serious? Makenzie is really 11? I can't believe how quickly time flys. It seems like yesterday she was crawling around getting into everything. She is such a little lady now. She got an MP3 player for her birthday. She was so excited to be like the youth group kids. She wanted me to load it with all the Saturday night worship music. She asked if I could put the "drummer" guy on there.

I can't believe she will be officially in youth group next year. Thank you Lord for another good year. Thank you for shaping Makenzie into the strong little lady she has become.

50's Night Is Coming

jeffsuch@comcast.net (Jeff) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 23:13:00 +0000

Yo...check it out... Sunday November 9th is 50's night. Be sure to dress up in your best 50's outfit and get ready for a malt, shake or any other drive in food item. We'll figure the menu out later. We will have prizes for the best outfit. We're gonna rock around the clock that night. Happy Days....

Israel 2009??

jeffsuch@comcast.net (Jeff) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 22:12:00 +0000

It's been almost 10 years since I was last in Israel. I'm thinking about trying to arrange another trip back with some of our church members and friends. February or March are the best times to go when prices are low. It's a little chilly but not all that bad. I have a good relationship with some friends at Ed Hill Tours based out of West Palm Beach, Florida. No one, and I mean no one does a better job than the folks at Ed Hill Tours.

The trip is usually an 8-10 day tour and is absolutely incredible. They cover all the major sites and the food and lodging are top notch. You travel by private coach once in Israel. It was certainly a trip that I've never forgotten and I can't wait to get back. Perhaps now is a good time to head back over.

The cost including flight, deluxe lodging, food, transportation and all entry fees to the sites is around $2000. This is definitely a trip of a lifetime.

If you are interested please let me know. It's open to anyone and we will travel as a group. If I have enough folks who are interested I will go ahead and put everything in motion. Leave me a message.