New Seasons

One of the signs that summer is over and a different season has started is the sight of school buses on the roads and school children making their way to class again.  While there is a bit of sadness that comes with the close of vacation time, there is also a sense of excitement and anticipation.

As we get ready for a new school year, and the new schedules and activities that start fresh each September, let me encourage you to make sure you are prioritizing your spiritual life and needs.  The only way to experience the fulness of God’s blessings in any area of life is to put Him first.  This certainly includes new seasons of life.

Here are a few good reminders for all of us as we exit summertime and head into fall:

• Design time into your daily schedule for God.
  

• Make church attendance a high priority.  Make the big decision that you and your family will be in church each weekend for worship and the study of God’s Word.
  

• Maintain family times.  Establish a family meal together each evening, if at all possible.  Commit to a brief family devotional time before going to bed.  This continuity will do wonders for your communication and connection with one another.
  

• Have faith!  Believe that this season is going to be a good season.  Believe that God has some wonderful things He is going to teach you, show you and do for you.  Anticipate with great excitement a new season of His blessings and favor.
  

Also, don’t miss this coming weekend at Church of the Redeemer.  We have planned a special weekend to help us all get ready for this new season.  I am excited about what God is going to do!

Pastor Dale

On the Grow!

Steve, Christi and Elijah

Justin, Jessica and Jadyn

Terry and I received some wonderful news last month.  We are expecting two more grandchildren!  Both Steve and Christi and Justin and Jessica are expecting babies sometime early in 2009.

As you can imagine, we are all very excited.  We love our 2 grandchildren, Elijah and Jadyn dearly, and are looking forward to adding to the clan!  I suppose it is time to buy a couple of additional high chairs for the kitchen!

Pastor Dale

Mom, Dad and Ministry

Today my wife and I had the opportunity to spend some time with my parents.  Mom and dad have been involved in pastoral church ministry since the early 1950’s.  As we talked, I asked Dad what he personally considered to be some of the most rewarding things about ministry life.

As he reflected back over the years, I heard real joy in his voice as he reminisced about some of the people he had the privilege of leading to the Lord, some who have gone on to heaven and many others who continue to serve the Lord today.  He spoke of several of these folks by name, and with genuine affection.  I could sense the pleasure and satisfaction he felt in knowing that he had made and continues to make a difference with his life for the sake God’s Kingdom and people.

As I reflected on their 50+ years of pastoral life and experiences, I was reminded of some of the things I believe to be essential keys to effective ministry.  At the top of list is a love for people.  To have an effective ministry a person must possess a true love for people and for their welfare, now and eternally.  Mom and dad certainly demonstrate this kind of love.

Second, effective ministry is the result of a commitment to stick with it -- living and serving with endurance and faithfulness.  Mom and dad, by their example, have proved that fruitfulness and fulfillment come with a lifetime of faithful service to God and others.

I am so very proud of my parents.  Through the tough and challenging times of ministry, as well as the joyous times, I have watched them live with integrity, passion, commitment and incredible love for the local church.  What an example they have set for me, and I honor them!

Pastor Dale

Remembering Dan Dickson

This past Sunday afternoon many in our church family had the opportunity to celebrate the life of Dan Dickson.  As Dan was preparing to come to our midweek service on Wednesday evening, he went to be with the Lord.  He was 53 years old and had been a part of our church for almost 21 years.

As I thought about Dan’s impact on my life and on our church family through the years, and listened to different folks sharing their memories of Dan, a single theme surfaced.  Dan was, at the core of his being, a true servant.

Dan Dickson was a man who supported the work of the church in the background, away from any limelight or glory.  Every weekend, during our services, you would find Dan working faithfully in our parking lot ministry.  He served on our facility support team, helping maintain our buildings and grounds.  He kept the trees on our church property properly pruned.  Dan didn’t miss a church service unless he was out of town or sick.  He was someone that could be counted on -- a true contributor of his time, treasure and talents.  Not only did Dan serve, he also encouraged others to serve.  By his words and example he challenged others to step out of the stands onto the field of servanthood.

With beautiful simplicity, Dan lived a selfless and profound life.  His service made a difference.  Dan, in his unique way, contributed to the advance of God’s Kingdom and the salvation of many folks through the years.  No doubt, when Dan took his final breath last Wednesday, I believe his first breath in heaven was accompanied by a “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

What a great lesson his life teaches us.

Thank you Dan for your faithful service over the years and for leaving a legacy that challenges us to humble, selfless and simple service for Jesus Christ.  Thank you Lord for the gift of Dan Dickson’s life.

Pastor Dale