First Church Family:
Wow, what a week it’s been! I know it must seem that I begin much correspondence in such a way, but it is true.
Last week, we shared God’s love with both children (45 of them) and youth and adult counselors through our Vacation Bible School program: “Stellar.” All involved marveled at God’s creation of the vast and wonderful universe! And all learned stories of Jesus: with Zacchaeus, with the people who welcomed the Master into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, and through our LORD’s Resurrection into eternal life.
This past Sunday, the children sang and danced for us in the worship service, and then almost 120 people (a number of whom were visitors) stayed for a wonderful picnic lunch in the CLC. Afterward, three families asked about what it would take for them to officially join our congregation! God is good, all the time!
Then on Tuesday, we made our last July food drive delivery to Yokefellow, bringing our church’s final total of 3,639 pounds of food donated to impoverished adults and children in our county – over the past month. We are a congregation that likes to make real differences in people’s lives. Thank you for your participation. I’m sharing the news of your commitment with Sharon Osbourne today.
There is also important staffing news to share:
After being thankful for the work that Anna Rae VanOsdol Davis (and her husband Matt) performed as they served as volunteers leading our youth during the 2022-23 school year, our Staff Parish Relations Committee offered Anna Rae the part-time position of youth director. After thought and prayer, Anna Rae accepted the job. We are most thankful for that decision. She is excited about the things God may do among our youth over the coming school year. Our fall youth schedule will begin with a pool party on September 10 at the home of our Shannon and Angel Bumgarner.
Too, SPRC moved to hire Karen Sheets as the replacement for the position of financial secretary, a position that Lisa Bennick had served us in for the last five years. Lisa’s schedule with other part-time jobs had grown to the point that she needed to pare down the number of employers for whom she was working. Lisa has done a wonderful job for us, and we wish her well. Over the next weeks, Lisa will work to train Karen in our office.
God is strong among us! May we continue to glorify Him in our work and service!
Blessings on you,
Pastor Dave