Minister's Blog

So Thankful

 I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.                                 Philippians 1:3-5

I thank God I am not writing to you from prison like the Apostle Paul was when he wrote the church at Philippi, but I believe his statement of love and appreciation for them reflects my own feelings for our church.  I was blessed by   words of thanks in notes, cards, and conversations over the past month.  It is hard to believe we have been a part of  Emmanuel for more than four years.  It has been a blessing to be your pastor and to truly be taken into the family.  I see the Lord working here in so many ways and I am truly thankful to be a part of it.  Our church is easy to love and in many ways easy to pastor.  I never cease to be amazed at your willingness to be shepherded and your desire to grow, serve and glorify the Lord.  I am sure we have a few hard-headed sheep (your pastor included), but there is a spirit of love and concern for one another here at Emmanuel that is tangible and authentic.  I believe the Lord has great things in store for Emmanuel!

I believe God grows healthy churches.  Let’s continue to seek the cleansing Christ gives through the washing of water by the Word of God (Ephesians 5:26).   As we seek to be holy, healthy, and set apart, I believe God will use us in advancing His Kingdom.  I am thankful the Lord has placed you and I here at this time to be a part of moving toward God’s vision for us to be a growing community of Christ's disciples, making disciples to the glory of God.

Prayer Updates

We often ask for prayer, but seldom give a report on how God answers.  During this season of thanks, I want to share how God is answering the prayers of those who have been praying for last month’s requests.  God has been blessing  our preschool and our outreach efforts to our preschool families.  We continue to prepare meals for a couple of families each week.  These have been well received.  Last Sunday night we held our annual Fall Festival.  We were able to interact and share the Gospel with many who were in attendance including a large number of our preschool families.  The Emmanuel Sober Living House is continuing to take shape.  God is making provisions for us in many areas.  There are a lot of things that have to fall into place, but it looks like things are going to shift into high gear in November!  We have great hopes that we will secure a house at the beginning of November and have it up and running December 1.  Our  sub-committee for investigating the prospect of establishing a council of elders has continued to meet this month and I believe God is answering your prayers by giving us discernment and direction.  I will be teaching on church leadership   in our Wednesday night Bible study for the first two Wednesdays in November.  I hope you can make it!  We will have   a time for questions.  Keep praying for our church in these and other areas.  God hears and answers the prayers of His people!!