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Pastor's Page

Posted on June 27, 2006 ...

Thanks to all the people who helped make Vacation Bible School 2006 such a great success. There is no other special event in our church that brings together the diverse contributions of so many folks. I can hardly think of anything that could have made the week better (except for that inflatable snowman I never could acquire.) Many of these same folks will be performing Mission VBS in Gulfport, Mississippi the week of July 23-29. If you would like to consider being a part of this team, there will be an information meeting at 7:00 p.m. on July 9 in the Annex.
This Sunday, we again have the sad task of saying good-bye to a dear staff member. It was a little over three years ago that Kyle Wiltshire joined our family. He was a graduating divinity school student seeking church employment and we were a congregation looking for full-time student leadership. God?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s grace brought us together and the benefits of our relationship have grown through the years.
It is difficult to imagine a staff member who could experience as much change in his life as occurred during Kyle?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s tenure here. He transitioned from student life to career life. He went from being a single individual to a married man. He moved from a ministry employee to a formally ordained minister. All the while he gained wisdom and experience in a church-related vocation. Joni, as well, has been a tremendous compliment to us, freely serving alongside of Kyle in almost every aspect of his work.
Kyle?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s closing days have been full of activities. Two weeks ago, he led our young people on a tremendous mission experience into New Orleans. Last week he headed up our VBS recreation time AND he had student activities on three nights. This week, he is directing our young people in a local meal ministry to underprivileged children. He will share some closing thoughts in Sunday night?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s sermon. In addition to all this, he is caring for Joni after she dislocated her elbow last week! He certainly is sprinting to the finish line.
On Sunday we will express our appreciation to Kyle and Joni through a love offering on their behalf, writing personal notes of appreciation, and honoring them at a reception following our evening worship hour. Again, I know your gratitude will extend fully to them. - Jay