
PASTOR'S UPDATE

This week I will be adding a sermon to my series "
Giving My Best". I have been in this series four weeks and the series is based on the book of Malachi. We have looked at the subjects that Malachi covered in his book:
- Worship
- Service
- Marriage
- Stewardship
In each instance Malachi, acting as a spokesman for God, challenged the people of God to give their best in each area. There is an underlying truth that I wanted to expand upon so I am adding a sermon this Sunday. One of the major truths that Malachi argues is the position of God in our lives as Lord and Master. God asks the question, " If I am your Master why don't you respect me?" The whole book of Malachi goes into detail describing the ways in which the people of God where not showing respect to God.

This Sunday we will look at the story of the talents.
In this story Jesus describes three servants and how they responded to their Master.
The story clearly illustrates that God is looking for the best from His servants.
Why then do so many give Him only a half hearted effort?
We hope to learn the answer to this and several other questions.

I met this week with our Trustees and our Deacons. I appreciate these men who give of their time so freely to help give direction to the church. As we are close to retiring our building debt we are trying to discern what is the best way to expand our facilities. The Sunday School is a pressing need as we are using every available space for both Sunday School hours. The men's cave was given the go ahead to begin construction on a large 16x30 room that will add much needed storage space and an upgraded room for their class. This will open a room in the first hour on Sunday morning. Plans are being drawn for a possible addition of two wings on our present building. This would open more Sunday School space and possibly more fellowship area.
The deacons heard a presentation on small group ministry and we are praying if this should be something our church should integrate into our ministry. Pray for our leadership as we seek God's direction on these important issues facing our church.
NOTES- Communion this Sunday night
- Baptism this Sunday morning, contact pastor John
- Mission team need: $3,604.00 (leaving in June for Rio Bravo Mexico, 23 members)
- Need grass cutters sign up at Welcome Center
- Teen ministry at the bowling alley is doing great!
- Man told me this week how much Every Man group meant to him
- Our missionary Ken Jenkins is taking the pastorate of a church in Appomattox VA
- Our Sunday School is continuing at a record pace
- Please pray that we can impact our community for Christ
NEW SERMON SERIES (Chris Chesley)
LIFE IN THE VINE
May 11-The Relationship of the Believer to Jesus
May 18-The Relationship of the Believer to One Another

Monday Elaine and I will celebrate 36 years of marriage. We hope to be sitting on Surfside Beach relaxing,reading and reminiscing about all the blessings we have enjoyed together over the last 36 years. God has been good to us. I never could have made it in the ministry with out the support and love of a godly wife. Thank you Elaine for loving me and always being there. Hope the Lord will give us another 36.
See you Sunday, be there or be square.