Weekly Update

Hi Church Family,

My heart is still full from Welcome Home Sunday! What a fantastic day. Baptisms, a picnic, games, “friendly competition” with tug of war, amazing food, and great people. It was all very, very TOV.

Huge shout-out to the people who volunteer around here, week in and week out, but especially on a big Sunday like that. I’m thinking of our crew in the tech booth (Jordan, Naomi, Jennifer, and Dave this past Sunday. Rafael, Mike, Zach, Laurilee, Bill, Bob, and Prentiss on other Sundays). I’m thinking of Darrin Cave and Donna Hill who lead our Food and Fellowship team. Darrin led the way this past Sunday. I’m thinking of the generosity of Chip Gordon, who provided the meat and blessed all of us by utilizing his spiritual gift of smoking meats. So many more Thank You’s to give. This pastor is feeling very grateful today.

This Sunday we begin a series that will take us through most of the fall: Exodus. Here’s what I know for sure – the sin and struggle for the People of God 3,000 years ago is definitely relevant to the sin and struggle of those living in this news cycle, election cycle, struggle cycle of 2024. I’m excited for our whole church to open God’s word and dig into Exodus together. By the way, why don’t we go ahead and make every Sunday a “Welcome Home Sunday!” Who can you invite to join you this Sunday? So many people are hungry for a place to belong. By the grace of God, filled with His Spirit, we are those people.

A few other things:

1. Plug into a Life Group! We were created to live life in community. What great timing! We’re kick off a Life Group season. Click Here to see all the Life Group options. Hope you’ll sign up today!
2. Tomorrow evening, our church board and I (Pastor Brian) have the opportunity to meet with our District Superintendent, Dr. David Bowser. This will be a Church/Pastoral Review which is a requirement for all Nazarene churches 2 years after the installation of a new Lead Pastor (and then every 4 years, thereafter). While a requirement, we’re considering it a privilege. Dr. Bowser is highly skilled in the area of church health and church mission and direction. Looking forward to what’s ahead!
3. Church Van Fundraising Campaign. Thank you for giving towards this effort! We currently have raised over $13,000 towards this. Our goal is to raise $20,000. If you would like to give, you can CLICK HERE, and select “Van Capital Campaign” from the drop-down menu. Or, you can give cash or check by Memo-ing “Van Capital Campaign” and placing it in one of the Giving Boxes in the sanctuary.
4. Youth Group Burger Bash is this Sunday at 5:30pm! If you have a middle schooler or high schooler (or even if you just know a middle schooler or high schooler), make sure they are a part of Burger Bash this Sunday. This is the official kick-off to the new school year’s youth group. Parents, make the decision to prioritize youth group for your kids. It has the potential to be a huge part of your child’s discipleship.

Much Love,

Pastor Brian