"Looking Toward Sunday": Sunday, August 16, 2009

I am sitting in the waiting room of our local GMC dealer waiting for Beth's van to have the oil changed, tires rotated, and generally checked over to prepare for our trip to take Leah back to BBC next Monday & Tuesday.

This is a beautiful facility and the waiting area is wonderful - complimentary beverages, wi - fi, TV, comfortable seating, work station for guys like me, etc. These places really cater to the customer. It also indicates some of the expectations people have in churches nowadays, too. Hopefully we can measure up to their expectations, even though I do feel it is unfortunate that the consumer mentality has invaded the minds of those who attend churches in the USA. My only problem in this place is that brand new midnight black 2009 Cadillac CTS - V

that keeps looking at me from the showroom floor, calling to me about all the wonderful trips she would take me on. I tried to ignore her, but have to admit that I finally gave in to take a look. But her $69,000 sticker price immediately brought me back to reality and the waiting room for Beth's 2000 minivan.

As you plan for this Sunday, here are a few reminders:

- 9:30 AM is our Sunday School for kids and Adult Bible Fellowships. A study in Colossians, one on "Character", and another on "Following Jesus" are available for adults. All these are great times of learning and fellowship. Come, grab a cup of coffee, tea, and a snack then head to your group.

- 10:45 AM is our Worship Service of singing, giving, praising, and honoring God through heartfelt worship. We will hear what He says to us in the latter verses of the book of Jude as we consider, "Counteracting the Church Creeps." It ends with a tremendous anthem of praise to God the Father, and I hope we will as well.

- 5:00 PM is the time two of our weekly Small Groups meet. See Ron Sterner and Bill Mace (or ones from their groups) to know how to prepare and what to bring.

- From 5:00 to 7:30 PM our Teens will meet at the McMichael's home for an informal swim night - please wear modest swimwear (both guys and girls.) Snacks, fun, and a Bible study are usually parts of these gatherings for our students.

- Since Beth and I need to take Leah back to BBC to begin her senior year (where did the years go??) on Monday and Tuesday, our Small Group will not meet next Tuesday evening. We plan to regroup the following Tuesday, August 25 at 7:00 pm.

Speaking of college students, please remember to pray for "our kids":

- Eric Carroll is already back to Cedarville University preparing as RA for students. He is anticipating working in Youth Ministry.

- Amy Carroll goes to Cedarville this weekend to begin her first year. She is interested in some kind of music major.

- Bethany Cobb goes to Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana August 26 to begin her first year. I think she mentioned to me studying about missions? Maybe music?? Remind me.

- Kortney Biltz continues her work at Tri - C near Cleveland - I think in her third or fourth year, and I think still in the ultrasound field. Look for her on a hospital staff soon.

- James Carr continues to progress in his classes at Kent State University, I think this is his fourth year, working through some kind of aeronautics major. Look for him in space fixing the shuttle soon.

- Please let me know if I missed anyone, (I'm sure some will) it is hard to remember everyone and their majors, especially with this CTS-V looking over my shoulder!

Our midweek prayer and Bible study groups will continue next Weds. at 7:00 PM and Thursday at 11:00 AM. Since this will be the third Thursday of the month, that means it is "OASIS" at 11:00 AM with a lunch following the prayer time. Check with Ron Sterner to be sure.

Let me encourage you to put on your calendar the date of our annual "Dinner on the Grounds" on Sunday, September 13. This is a great day of worship, eating, and playing games together as we celebrate and get better acquainted. This is a great day to bring a guest or relative with you to have them introduced to our church family in a very informal way. Dress is casual and food is ample. Our missionaries to the St. Vincent Islands, Mike and Debbie Edwards, will be here with us to give a report during our combined ABF time and then Mike will speak in our AM service. It will be nice for them to stick around and eat with us so that some can get to know them better. Plan to be here, don't miss this great day! If you have any of your favorite games to suggest, let Jeff Sheldon know about them (maybe a few cornhole games and Wii's for a tournament??)

Well, I am done with this note, but Beth's van is not. I think I might go check out the CTS - V again to see if the price came down within my reach - - - nope, not yet! Guess I'll go check out the TRUCKS!!