Of Praise, Pumpkins and People

Time is flying by! First, a great big Praise! It seems like weeks ago, on Easter 2012, we marched out to our side lot, and turned a few shovels of dirt, as we prayed for the blessings of being able to build a new building. Some 15 months later, we have occupied the spot and have broken it in well. The official consecration service will be held Sunday, September 8th, at 10:00 AM. Our bishop, Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey will be present, as well as several former pastors. The Chancel Choir, Praise band, Redeemed, and our Handbell Choir will lead us in special music for the day. You won't want to miss this for anything. Following the service, we will take a few minutes to convert the space into our fellowship hall, and serve a meal. Brisket or chicken will be served along with whatever fixings you bring. Invite your friends and family for this grand celebration of all the Lord has been able to accomplish with your generous support.

Secondly, of Pumpkins. As you are aware, our Church has provided a Pumpkin Patch for our community. And while it will be different this year, with the absence of the Mason family, who lead this gigantic effort for the first 8 years, the Patch will go on. We have seen a great response from many people to step up and help put on this wonderful event. You will all be given the opportunity to jump in and help with the sales trailer, field trips, working weekends, etc. I know you will. Oh, did I mention the first two loads of Pumpkins will arrive Sunday, September 29th, with other trucks arriving October 13th and October 20th? All hands will be needed on those Sundays to help unload all those pumpkins to make a patch. Be on the watch for other details of events, etc. A short schedule is in this newsletter. New this year, we are asking some of the non profit groups that have been helped or need help in the future from our Patch funds to be here on the weekends. That way the community can see, as well as hear, about how funds raised benefit others.

Third, People. With Brother Byron having to “retire”, we are trying to discern where and what we need to help our church continue to grow. Some of our leadership will be studying our mission and our needs, in order to best determine what staffing, paid and unpaid, we need to have. Please, please be in prayer as we seek Gods’ will for us and how we are to be the Church our Lord Jesus needs us to be.

Finally, let me encourage you, if you are not now participating in a Bible Study or Sunday school group, to do so. We are called to be disciples, and a disciple is first and foremost a learner of Christ and the Life He calls us to lead. We have many excellent classes on Sunday morning for you, your children, and for your youth. Jump in. Ask me and ask around for the best fit for you and then try it out.

See you in your place of worship.