New Beginnings

Lots of things are happening here! Our church is in a flurry of activity as our Pastor of over 27 years, Dr. Mills, retired last Sunday. Dr. Wallace, our new Pastor, joins us this week.

Dr. Mills is like family and will be missed greatly... he is now on a trip that will take him through many foreign countries, and will be gone about a month. When he returns we all hope he will come back to visit regularly and soon!

About a year ago, I was asked to be on the search committee, and was involved in the daunting task of finding a new Pastor for our church family. We all prayed very hard for His guidance, and everyone's patience as we began that search when Dr. Mills announced his retirement plans. After hundreds of resumes, visits to listen to other preachers, and watching DVD's from folks far and wide, we were surprised to find ourselves listening to a man we all thought might be that person. Our committee was diverse in many ways, but we were all intrigued, and after interviewing him were all in agreement to present him to our Deacon Board.

The church family got to know him through a series of Sunday morning sermons, Wednesday night suppers, and a church wide picnic... he was later voted in, and Sunday is his first official day as our Pastor.

I am excited about this new beginning for our church - our community is growing daily here in what used to be such a sleepy little place, and our church is in position to help bring the word of God and his love to many people. We are a small church (150 -200 regulars), but we have a big heart, continuing to share God's grace with our community.

Bible School is also in full swing this week, headed up by Pastor Drew, our associate preacher. We have an awesome group of kids there learning more about God and his word. Our pre-school children are also involved, and it's exciting to see all the children as they grow in his love.

On Monday the lesson dealt with Thankfulness, and as the littlest ones had snack, we went around the table and asked them what they were thankful for.

As you might imagine, the answers were all very cute, but one 3 year old boy said, very sweetly, "For Jesus!".

Amen!

Mark 10: 14-16
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
And he took the children into his arms, put his hands on them, and blessed them.