Ordination Confirmed!

After my questioning tonight, the ordination council has confirmed my ordination into the Gospel ministry. The service will be on July 20, at 3 pm. This is something that I have prayed about and thought about for many years. I am thankful for this blessing and opportunity. More info to come!

VBS Video

On Sunday, June 29, the kids and teachers who were able to be at church sang the theme song to close out the service. Here is the video:

New Job Announcement

While we were on vacation , Sarah was offered a 5th grade teaching position at North Hancock Elementary School. What a blessing! This school is literally...right across the street from us! Sarah already knows some teachers from when she taught in Lewisport a few years ago. She also knows some teachers and other officials from our current church. This is a great move for her that will hopefully turn into a place for her to plant some roots. She has been thrown around a bit since we are in the ministry...we are here until God says otherwise!
Here is a link to the school website:
http://www.hancock.k12.ky.us/nhes/index.htm

2008 HBC VBS "Outrigger Island"

The 2008 HBC Vacation Bible School is complete! We had an average enrolment of over 125 kids. Total with workers, we had over 160 each day. This is a GREAT pic. This past week has been one of my favorite things I have been a part of since being called to HBC. What a week! Several decisions were made and we planted the seed of faith in the lives of many kids.

7 years...

Today (June 23), Sarah and I celebrate our 7 year wedding anniversary. We began that day at Vacation Bible School and now she is traveling to Ohio County while I am at church! HA!

She was 13 and I was 15 when we started dating in 1995. Thirteen years together...she deserves some credit!

April 1995

June 2008

Destin Day 7 (Friday)

Last day in Destin! Here are the pics and we will travel home tomorrow (Saturday) bright and early! Pray for safe travel!

http://picasaweb.google.com/dennisccook/DestinDay7Friday

2008 Baptist Hymnal Info

Here is a spreadsheet comparing the hymnals in the Baptist Hymnal history:
http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/files/lwcF_CRD_mus_worship_project_comparison_of_musical_content_in_baptist_hymnal.pdf

Here are a few notable songs that were in the 1991, but NOT included in the 2008 hymnal:
All to Thee
Because I Have Been Given Much
Bless That Wonderful Name
Carols Sing
Children of God
Christmas Has its Cradle
Forgiven
Go Out and Tell
How I Love You
Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior
Thanks-giving/Thanks-living
To Worship, Work, and Witness
Whosoever Meaneth Me
Would You Bless Our Homes and Families

Not too astounding...these are just hymns I have used in worship services...these hymns along with the others will be available in the online database LifeWay will offer--by subscription of course--

Hymnals are on sale until August 1 for 11.99 each. They will go to 13.99 in August. It has been 17 years since the last hymnal. 16 years passed in between the '75 and '91 hymnal. This hymnal has many new songs (from Christian radio to modern hymns) and I will highlight the new ones in a future blog. The hymnal is being sold as the Baptist Hymnal and the Worship Hymnal. Same songs...just 2 different titles...thoughts on that, anyone?

Destin Day 6 (Thursday)

It is wierd to say we have been here 6 days (really 5 days in Destin and 6 days on our vacation). We were out all day again today, mainly in Panama City Beach. We took a 3 1/2 hour boat dolphin cruise. We have been on it three times now (one each trip to Destin). This time we saw some dolphins, and were able to get some sea shells for the kids. One neat thing, was that Gracie was able to steer the boat for a while. She was thrilled! Watch this video!

After the cruise (1-4:30) we had dinner at a BBQ joint (Sonny's) which was pretty good, but no Moonlite.

Courtney has tried some firsts while on this trip....first time to each a hushpuppie at a place other than Long John Silver's, first time to swim into 8 1/2 feet of water by herself, and first trip without any family member with her. She has had her ups and downs, but overall, we hope it is a trip she will remember!

Here is a link to the pics from today:

http://picasaweb.google.com/dennisccook/DestinDay6Thursday

Tomorrow will be on the beach and in the pool all day resting up before we head back home early Saturday morning.

Destin-Day 5...Part II-Feeling Crabby? (by Sarah)

So, Courtney's last birthday request was to walk on the beach at night...little did we know we would experience something great, something wonderful...something terrifying!!! We came across a family with nets and a 5 gallon bucket. As we came closer, we noticed the little girls, around the ages of 4, 7, and 10 had a bucket full of crabs while mom and dad stood at the edge of the water (where Courtney and I were walking!). As the waves approached, they lowered their nets and caught a crab. They had stood there only about 10 minutes and had caught one with each wave....Now keep in mind, Courtney and I had already walked about an hour in these same Crab infested waters! At this time, we began to freak out and asked if we could video tape them. The dad said we could video tape them as they were released and we took our stance. We were not prepared for him to somewhat throw them in our direction. It was then that we lost it...and needed a change of clothes! We watched as the crabs re-entered the waters a little "Shell-shocked". One crab was so shocked, he left one of his claws behind. After about 10 mins. (exaggeration) of me and Courtney arguing over who should grab it, one of the little girls grabbed it with her nets and pulled it to dry sand until we could ...I mean I ...could muster up the courage to grab it. Now, we have ourselves a little souvenir to hopefully bring home...along with a great night full of memories. Check out the pics below.

http://picasaweb.google.com/dennisccook/DestinDay5PartII

Destin Day 5 (Wednesday)

Below are pics from The Track in Destin, lunch at Joe's Crab Shack and Panama City Beach.

Today's was Courtney's 15th birthday and we treated her to breakfast at Chic-fil-a's, golf and go-carts at the track and then we went to Zoo World. Finally we had ice cream at Panama City Beach and then dinner at the Olive Garden. Tonight she wanted to walk on the beach after dark, so Sarah will take her to have her last birthday treat!

http://picasaweb.google.com/dennisccook/DestinDay5Wednesday

We can't believe we only have two full days left before we have to travel back home. Our week had FLOWN by and we are happy for the break, but ready to be back home in Lewisport and back at church.

Destin Day 4 (Tuesday) and other news

Tuesday was a LAZY day in Destin. We really did not do much other than spend the morning at the beach and pool. The kids slept in the afternoon and Sarah and I went to dinner.

Wednesday will be a big day for us to be out as it is Courtney's birthday (15th). More on that later!

Last night, the Celtics won the NBA title! I have watched these guys since game one in 2007! Rondo and Pierce have been my fav players and they really came through. The Lakers NEVER had a chance! Banner #17 goes up in the Garden!

Destin Day 3 (Monday)

http://picasaweb.google.com/dennisccook/DestinDay3/photo#s5212642847671092466

Destin Day 2 (Sunday)

lazy day today...beach...pool...shopping...here are some pics of today's events

http://picasaweb.google.com/dennisccook/DestinDay2?authkey=2riUeEEQzFs

Happy Father's Day

Three Generations of Cook Men

Dad:

Dennis:

Alex:

Happy Father's Day, Dad. We love you and hope you have a GREAT day!

Destin Day 1 (Saturday)

Video of ocean and see link to pics below...

http://picasaweb.google.com/dennisccook/DestinDay1?authkey=bDU8HblHUnc

VACATION

We have arrived! We left Lewisport at 7 am Saturday and arrived in Destin at our "Destin-ation" at 5:45 pm after stopping several times along the way!

We will post pics of our townhouse and the surrounding beach later...

Thank you for praying for safe travels for us...

Wednesday SBC Pics

http://picasaweb.google.com/dennisccook/SBCConfPart3?authkey=Du5lgCVQ0tQ

The Gettys actually signed their books, etc yesterday, so I missed the photo opp. with them. Oh well, maybe next time! Here are the links to the Wednesday pics from the last day of the convention.

Watch SBC Highlights

from http://www.sbc.net/

Greeting from President Bush, Gaither Vocal Band, and others...Keith Getty is the Wednesday morning worship (I don't think his name is listed).

http://viewers.316networks.com/viewer/viewerframes_parent.asp?b=&p=&networkID=3001782&WMP=1&WMPv=7&RPIE=1&RPNAV=0

Tuesday Evening Thoughts...

After a day at the conference and other events, I have some info to share to you. Yesterday on the way up, I was able to purchase a new hymnal (seen above) from SBTS that is not due out until August 1. I will post some in-depth thoughts on the hymnal later, but just know it is a mixture of old and new songs. I am particularly inspired and excited about the amount of "Getty" material.

Tuesday morning (as seen in the pics posted earlier) President George W. Bush recorded a greeting for those attending the conference. He was encouraging and thankful for our prayers and our commitment to helping the needy. We were also able to see the Gaither Vocal Band. They sang well, but struggled with timing in some parts of their songs due to the complex room they were singing in. The business session ended early and the Gaiters were scheduled next. GVB had just parked the bus when it was time to come out and sing...so they sang well despite no sound check or anything. I was proud that the SBC committee wanted them there and that the GVB came to sing only 3 songs...

We spent a lot of time in the exhibit hall. It was filled with (surprise!) a LifeWay store and LifeWay products and other booths (schools, seminaries, missions, special services, GuideStone, etc) were represented. We were able to get some free stuff and research other materials. The LifeWay Owensboro manager, Dana, was working the LifeWay booth, so it was neat to see him. I worked for him while in college at that LifeWay. Lunch was at Mark's fav, Burger king and dinner was at the Old Spag. Factory.

As we look forward to Wednesday (last day of the conference), our blog material will be limited. There is a big chunk of free time during the day, but the Gettys will lead some music in worship that morning and then be available to sign purchased materials from LifeWay. I have their autographs already, but an looking forward to getting my pic taken with them. I purchased a CD called "An Evening in Prague" which is arranged and conducted by Keith Getty (purely orchestration). See link to CD here.

I am not putting my excitement in the Gettys as individuals, but the music that God has given them to share with His people. I am thankful to be living in the times that I can experience modern hymnody like those who lived during the time of John & Charles Wesley, Fanny Crosby, and countless others who have influenced our worship culture. Keep checking back for Wed pics and more info!

Tuesday Pics

http://picasaweb.google.com/dennisccook/SBCConfPart2?authkey=_UaHUQCacC4

Monday Night Pics

http://picasaweb.google.com/dennisccook/SBCConfPart1?authkey=WF-uVf2watY

WE ARE HERE!

Mark, Jessica, and I arrived in Indianapolis, IN at 5:30 CDT Monday night. We are settling in the hotel right now preparing to go eat supper. Since Sarah is at another conference in Cincinnati right now, I am all alone, so I have time to blog! LUCKY YOU!

To view live web casts of the SBC convention, click the link below Tuesday morning through Wednesday night. Highlights include the Gaither Vocal Band, Keith Getty, Mark Harris, and Charles Billingsley. (click on WATCH STREAMING VIDEO) http://www.sbcannualmeeting.net/sbc08/default.asp

I will be posting pics as the next couple of days go on...stay tuned for more pics and info!

Update!

There has been a lot of recent activity in the Cook house lately...

We went to Holiday World on June 6 (click here to see pics)

Announced the newest member of the Cook family (click here)

Hosted the HBC choir for a cook-0ut (click here)

There will be a small lapse in blogging for the next week or so. This week I will be attending the SBC National Church Conference in Indianapolis and Sarah will be at an education conference in Florence. This Friday night, the Cooks have a reunion at Camp Schafer and Saturday morning we depart for Destin, FL.

So we will be compiling some great pics over the next two weeks to share with you after vacation. Please pray for our safe travel!

Choir Cook Out @ the Cooks!

The HBC choir brought their families over tonight for supper and games at the Cook house. Here is a link to some pictures we were able to capture and a video is below. If you have not heard, also check out our "new addition" blog listed below this one...

http://picasaweb.google.com/dennisccook/HBCChoirCookOut/photo?authkey=fgGTpviWA7s#s5209333560574049090

Having an old fashioned sack race...

New Addition to the Family...

Well, I guess it is probably time to post this since some of you may already know. You may think the timing is a bit off, or that we may not be able to handle it...

But Sarah and I feel confident in our abilities and think that if it was ever going to happen, it had to be now...God has blessed us!

So click here to see the newest member of the Cook Family!

http://picasaweb.google.com/dennisccook/NewMember/photo?authkey=nzaWdptZ9fw#s5209129619569169570

Ordination Service

Here is the news I was talking about earlier this week:

Hawesville Baptist recently approved the motion to ordain me into the gospel ministry. I have led music ministries since 1997, but never had the opportunity to do this. For one circumstance or another, the timing just was not right.

I will go through a time of questioning by the ordination council on Sunday night, June 29. After their majority approval, I will be approved to move forward with the service.

Over the next month I will be posting some articles and thoughts on the ordination process along with details on who will be participating along with the order of service.

I will say that the service will be Sunday afternoon, July 20 at 3 pm CDT. This will take the place of our evening service. Also, the entire staff from my home church, Beaver Dam Baptist, will take part in the service. More on that later...

Just pray for me and my family as we encounter this new path that God has given us to follow. As mentioned above, I will give many more details as we get closer.

Bro. Mark Williams Singing "Jesus Loves Me"

Random News

• There will be some exciting ministry-related news coming a little later this week (possibly Thursday)...stay tuned!


• Our schedules will be CRAZY over the next month. This week I am in the office. The 2nd week of June, I am at the SBC conference in Indianapolis. The third week, we go on vacation to Destin, FL. And the last week is Vacation Bible School. WHEW!


• We recently bought a small pool for the kids. Alex won't get in unless his pants and diaper are off. He also likes to "pee pee in the grass" all the time.


• Gracyn is stuggling with listening...but is growing up quickly


• I will be joining the Hancock County Band Boosters tonight (wish me luck)


• We are thinking "Holiday World" this Friday


• The Gaither Vocal Band and Keith Getty will be in concert at the SBC convention...how cool!

HBC Softball Tourney

Saturday some members of HBC played in a Relay For Life softball tournament fundraiser. Here are some pic of the event:

http://picasaweb.google.com/dennisccook/HBCSoftball08/photo#s5206996613472673602