A Letter From Pastor Jon

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ

As we head into summer there are a number of things I want to share with you.
I begin with a sincere word of thanks. You have been faithful in your giving which has been a real blessing. Think back to the nasty winter Sunday’s we had that resulted in low attendance and high energy costs. Yet because of your faithfulness, we are close to leveling out on many expenses.  With family and individual living expenses going up, I am even more appreciative of the commitment so many of you are keeping.

Along those same lines, please read the article by Devon Beer on a program called Simply Giving.  You will find that on page 7 of this newsletter. Then on Saturday June 14th and Sunday June 15th Devon and others from council will make a presentation to the congregation and then will be available after worship to answer your questions.

Second, you should already be aware of our Summer Worship Schedule. Beginning June 1st and running through August 17th, worship at 8:00 a.m. will be traditional and 10:00 a.m. will be contemporary. 9:00 we will have Sunday School for all ages, including adults. Saturday evening worship remains at 6:00 p.m.

The adult class will meet in the basement as we read and discuss Max Lucado’s book “Facing Your Giants.” I would ask that you read the first couple of chapters by June 1st. We will go at the pace of the class and get as far as we can by the end of the summer.  From the back of the book: “He taunts you with bills you can’t pay, people you can’t please, habits you can’t break, failures you can’t forget and a future you can’t face. But just like David you can face your giant, even if you aren’t the strongest, the smartest, the best equipped, or the holiest.  

David. You could read his story and wonder what God saw in him. His life has little to offer the unstained, straight-A saint. He fell as often as he stood, stumbled as often as he conquered. But for those who know the sound of a Goliath, David gives this reminder: Focus on giants – you stumble.  Focus on God your giants tumble.”

We got a good deal on the hardback copy (paperback does not come out till this fall), $15.00 per copy. Call the church office and reserve yours. 

This is a class you can jump in and out of without missing a beat. Pastor Alicia and I will take turns moderating the discussion, but you will do the work. I am looking forward to a great time. 

Finally, summer is a time when our folks are in and out of worship here a great deal. Know that when you are gone, you ARE missed. And as you travel, take the time to worship somewhere else, it is a great experience and blessing. If you think about bring back a bulletin to share.

God bless you all and have a safe summer.

Pastor Jon

P.S. As of Midnight, Monday May 19th, Jonathan was finished with his active duty in the Army. He still owes them about four years through inactive service, so he figured they may as well pay him for that time and has joined the National Guard Unit in Eaton. He will start there later in the summer.

Gaile and I just want to take this opportunity to thank you for your prayers, love and support of us and Jonathan while he was in the service. We are very proud of his service and all that he accomplished, but at the same time thankful he is now finished. Your support meant so much. People were always asking how he was and that meant a great deal.

Jonathan will be living in Troy, and this fall will go to school at Sinclair and will also be the Assistant Girls Soccer Coach here at Sidney High School. Now that should be real interesting. He plans on bringing some of his Army training to their conditioning – we will see if Molly is still speaking to him by the end of the summer!