Dear First Pres,

   In Hebrews 10:24-25 the biblical author is encouraging the congregation to pursue Christ together. The verses say, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” It’s amazing how these verses continue to be such relevant instruction for churches, even after some 2000 years. 

Dear First Pres,

   Wow, what a meaningful church weekend it was! Big thanks to all of you who helped to make it happen.

Brady Crow


Dear First Pres,

   Have you seen the yellow envelopes in the Sanctuary pew racks? The white envelopes are for folks who are giving to our church’s general fund (from which all our normal ministry expenses are covered) or other specific offerings. But do you know what the yellow envelopes are for? If you said “Deacons” you’re right! And, if you didn’t know, now you do. 

Ashley Wiele shares this report from the Children's Ministry Search Team:

Dear First Pres,

   Please join us in praise and thanksgiving to God for his faithful answer to our prayers! The Children’s Ministry positions have been filled, and we are excited to introduce you to our newest staff members.  

Dear First Pres,

   “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” These are the words of Jesus in Mark 6:31 to His disciples. The invitation (really, it’s in the imperative mood – so a commanded invitation) came in the midst of a very full schedule. The verse starts by reporting that “so many people were coming and going that they (Jesus and His team) did not even have a chance to eat.”

Dear First Pres,

Dear First Pres,
 
   Diane and I took a paper copy of the Wall Street Journal for many years. One of my favorite things about the Journal is that on the left side of the front page is a long list of article summaries. If I wanted a quick summary of the contents of the day’s Journal I could quickly read through those summaries. Today’s letter from me is meant to read like that left column on the Journal’s front page.
 

Dear First Pres,

 I’ve been wondering a lot this week. In particular, I’m wondering what the impact would be if 35 more people in our congregation took on the Sunday practice of “worship one, serve one.” 35 people is less than 10% of our average Sunday attendance in 2023. If, across both services, we had 35 more people come early or stick around for a second hour of service, what impact would it make?

Dear First Pres, 

   Have you been counting down the days until the school year begins? If you’re in education or have students in your home, the answer is probably, “yes.” In my family, Diane is 6 days out; Kate is already in Spokane getting settled before classes begin for her junior year at Whitworth; Andrew is 25 days out from his sophomore year at Westmont (coming back from India on Sunday night); and Rebekah is 11 days out from her last year at Bullard High. 

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