Praise, Prayer, Planning and Preparation

Let me begin by Praising our Lord for His many blessings over the last few weeks. I have seen the Lord work in the lives of my Church family as each of you have shown our family the love and support that humbles and thrills our souls. The cards, the calls, and your presence at the funeral for Cheryl’s father displayed clearly your affection. And then, the wonderful reception for Caleb as he left for seminary. We are so blessed and we Praise the Lord for you all.

Thank you again so very much for your thoughts and prayers.

I am excited to be preaching a new sermon series beginning in September. There are few truths in the Scripture more exciting than understanding that God speaks to His people. Several weeks ago, one of our students asked me, “Pastor Garry, How can I know God is speaking to me?” That is a great question and it deserves a complete answer. So, instead of just giving him a basic answer, I have decided to preach a sermon series on the topic. Can you imagine? The same Word that can create a solar system or raise the dead can be directed to speak to us personally. That is awesome! And he who has ears, come and hear what the Spirit says to the Church. I will introduce the series on August 29^th.

Many of our Students begin a new school year on August 25th. As many of us prepare for the “new” school year, it is a time of Prayer and Planning. We have to get those supplies ready for our students and for the ones we are helping, make pickup and drop off plans, prepare lunches and snacks. Some of us have been shopping for “new” clothes, waking up our little (and big) ones for their classes, and getting in a “new” routine. With 176 schools and 137,000 students, school is a major event in Mecklenburg County. As we have been praying as individuals and as a Church, God has opened our eyes and hearts to the open doors of opportunity to minister. We must become involved and make a difference, but let’s not do that just to be doing it. With prayer, planning, and preparation we will be asking God to use our Church to minister to the schools in our area: Student First Academy, Shamrock Gardens Elementary, Garinger High School, Hawthorne High School and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I know some of you have students in other schools also and I would encourage you to assist these schools as much as you can. There is a great need for everyone to Pray for all of our schools and students. These are the years that we will make the greatest impact. Please take this seriously.

Praising, praying, planning, and preparing with you,

Pastor Garry