According to the experts, we are in an economic downturn (to say the least)!  I don’t know what that means for you; some of you are getting hit hard and some not so hard – but whatever it means, don’t let it rob you of the blessings of giving during this very special season!

There are endless ways you can lift the spirits of another by simply giving of yourself!  A friendly smile, a helping hand, a sympathetic attitude all work to ease the tension and cut through the stress of these tenuous times!  And those things won’t cost you a dime!

Try not to get overwhelmed this season!  It is not your responsibility to give to every person, organization, or needy cause.  Pray about it and ask God to point you toward several things you can within your budget!

It is, however, a season to go the extra mile; to sacrifice!  Explore ways you personally can do with less so someone else can have more.  The blessing really is more in the giving than the getting!

Finally, don’t succumb to the credit card credo – “buy now, pay later.”  You may find yourself paying for Christmas of 2008 until Christmas of 2012.  Be creative!  Be willing to do something different!  Be disciplined!

Well, you may not have asked for such wonderful advice, especially from someone who is not a financial adviser, but remember, within each of the thoughts I have shared there is the wisdom of God.  Seek God’s will this Christmas season!  When you do, the season will always be bright!                                                                  Love, Marcus

Thanks to Marc and every person who had a part in bringing together Gospel Homecoming Sunday evening! It was once again a “community happening” that lifted our spirits and lifted the name of Christ. 

Fall is in the air as we enjoy some cool, damp weather and as public school cranks up for another year!  After a long, hot summer this is a time of new beginnings, new commitments, and new goals.  My prayer is that we as God’s people will take this opportunity to evaluate our priorities and make sure God and His purposes are at the center of all we do!  God wants us to encourage and “spur on” one anther (Hebrews 10:25) by faithfully meeting together.  Church attendance is important and has a purpose.  God want us to grow in our faith!  (Hebrews 6:1-3) Bible studies, Sunday School, and Discipleship classes are viable ways to study and grow in the Word of God!  He wants us to reach our neighborhood for Christ!  (Matthew 28:18-20)  We must regularly look for ways to engage our community and build relationships with the lost.  Fall is a great time to start something new!  Check out Worship on Sunday morning! Find a Sunday School class and plug in!  Go the extra mile and attend a discipleship class on Wednesday evening!  Begin praying for a lost friend!  Visit that neighbor across the street!  The sky’s the limit.  The blessings are eternal!                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Love, Marcus

Note:  There will be a short business meeting Wednesday, August 20, at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel to elect our new officers and teachers.

With that in mind, I am excited about starting a new series of sermons this Sunday entitled Soaring Through Tough Times!  As we study the book of First Peter, we will be encouraged to face persecution and suffering in such a way that the grace of Christ is evidenced in us and our lives as a positive witness to others of the suffieciency of God!  Yes, how you and I react to suffering in our lives says volumes to others about what we think of God.  I hope you will join us for this very relevant study!

Please continue to pray for the ministries of our church and where you might serve.  I know our Nominating Committee continues to do their work of enlisting workers for Sunday School as well as the other ministries of our church.  Be open to God’s promptings as we get ready for a new and exciting year!