Ready or not, here comes August. July has been a little bit
of a breather for me, as I am sure it has for many of you as well. I always
enjoy celebrating our Nation’s independence on July 4. It was a little rainy
this year, but it was still an enjoyable season. We should not hasten to be
thankful for this great and wonderful country in which we live. As July
continued, Kasey and I took a week’s vacation and spent some time at the beach.
It is a beautiful sight to see. As the waves crash in, I see God’s handiwork. A
little time at the golf course and a little time at the beach and I was ready
and anxious to get back to work. I always enjoy traveling, but I also enjoy
coming home. I am rested and ready to hit this August hard. August is when
youth group season starts. As a matter of my opinion and observation, I think
the most effective time for youth ministry pretty much follows the school year.
I think when school starts and lives go back to normal, things fall back into a
routine. Church life and youth group are no exception. This is a time for youth
pastors like myself to capitalize on the opportunities to build relationships
with the young people. Students will never get serious about Christ unless they
can see a real relationship with somebody who is exemplifying Christ’s love.
This is a Biblical challenge to us all.
Looking
ahead, I would like to share some of the opportunities that lie around the
corner. A couple of those opportunities are extremely exciting. August the 14th
will be a special service for the youth at Cedar Creek. We will be having our
back to school bash. This is an opportunity to kick off the season with a bang.
The students have been urged to invite several friends to this time of food,
fun, and fellowship. It is an opportunity to welcome new students from the high
school as well as a reminder to some of those who are returning. Please pass
the word along. Also currently, several of the students are trying hard to
restart our drama ministry. They are practicing often and putting their heads
together in a strong effort. Their hopes are to possibly travel to sister
churches and present a service of drama, song, and Word. I am excited as well;
I love seeing them motivated for the cause of Christ. Moving into September, we
will be hosting a Public Servant Appreciation Sunday. This was again an idea
from the students. In remembrance of the 9-11 tragedy/season, they decided that
they would like to publically thank the public servants (police, fire, EMS,
etc…) that serve our community selflessly every day. Therefore, we are going to
acknowledge their service on Sunday the 15th by offering a special
service in their honor as well as a banquet to follow. There will be more about
this in the September issue of The Call, but
please be in prayer for this event already. Also, if you would like to be
involved, please see me. September also holds the Tennessee State C.O.G.
Youth’s Fall Retreat. It will again be at Camp Crossville this year and the
dates are September 20-22. It is always a fun, Godly experience, and this year
will be no different. The speakers will be Tiger Brooks and Dough Hallock while
worship will be led by the popular Julian
Drive. The cost of this trip will be $40 and a deposit of $20 will is due
by August 28.
I am
excited about what is ahead for the coming year. I am confident that God will
bless our lives and His ministry. Most of you know already, but I would like to
publicly share a bit of excitement. If everything goes well, Kasey and I are
going to be parents sometime around the end of January. We are excited and
nervous as well. We would appreciate your prayers. I see all of the little ones
running around here at Cedar Creek and I am excited about adding another one to
the bunch. I can think of no better place to introduce our child to the love of
God than here at Cedar Creek. I know that our Church family will help us in
that process.
As for now, may God bless your back-to-school ventures and I
hope that the coming season will bring us closer to God and each other! See you
Sunday!
Pastor
E.J.
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