The Messenger - October 8, 2010 - Three Reasons to Give Thanks

Pastor's Corner

"Three Reasons to Give Thanks"

Last Sunday was such a fabulous day! The music was spectacular, the attendance was outstanding, and the Global Mission Fair was superb. I want to extend my deep appreciation to Joanne Oden, who spent several hard weeks of work preparing for this event. I also want to express my great admiration for Allan Petker, who brings such life to our music, and for Emily Anderson, who brings new life to our kid choirs. Finally, we must never forget Rob Klopfenstein, a true magician at the keyboard, and Ferris Gluck, whose many talents at the organ are just beginning to be heard. I feel so very blessed to serve our Lord with them.

This week will also be an exciting time in church, because we'll get to hear a new report from the sanctuary design committee immediately after church. I think you will be pleased to learn about all the work they've done in response to your comments several months ago, and I think you'll begin to sense that they're moving in the right direction. A very wise pastor once told me that a sanctuary redesign project without controversy would be like Noah's ark without fleas--impossible! But I think we're getting close to something that will help new generations to embrace this great old church.

Of course, the centerpiece of our church is worship, and we'll be turning to God in worship once again this Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. The "Gospel Gang" will present two lovely old spirituals, and I'll be preaching on the presence of Christ in 1 Corinthians, Chapter 10. Elizabeth Achtemeier, one of the leading Bible teachers of our denomination, once said that the secret of good preaching is revealing the presence of Christ in every Bible text. Sometimes, that presence is hard to find, but this Sunday, it is easy, and I feel blessed to bring the Word of God to you.

I'll see you in church!

• The MESSENGER's Archives
• e-CALENDAR