From the Pastor's Pen (from the September newsletter)

"I press toward the mark for the price of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil 3:14)

      Every person has done something in life for which we are ashamed. We all also find an inner struggle, a tension of finding what we desire to be.  The Apostle Paul was human like us.  He had done things he was not proud of and he fought with an inner tension of finding himself. However, when he realized his hope in life was in Christ, he not only found forgiveness and freedom from guilt, but also found his God-given purpose in life.

      We have witnessed the athletes from around the world competing in the Summer Olympics. On many occasions, I heard our American athletes say it was an honor for them to compete in Beijing and represent America.  My mind raced in thought - what if we as Christians, as believers in Christ, had the same attitude about our race that is set before us.  We should see it as an honor for God to select us to be on His team and to represent God before a dying world.  Far too long we have kept ourselves behind walls. It appears we are ashamed of being Christians. I think it is high time we break down the walls and "press toward the mark." It is time we prepare ourselves to move out of the offense rather than staying on the defensive end all our lives.  I believe our children and our youth should be the salt and light in their schools and stand unashamed of representing Christ before fellow students. I believe our adults shouldbe the salt na d light where we work, live, go and not be ashamed of representing Christ before our communities.

      I challenge you to join with me as we "Go for the G.O.L.D." September 30th through November 9th we will encounter God's call by studying "40 Days or Purpose".  Our Sunday School lessons will focus on finding God's purpose for our lives. Our Sunday morning worship hour will focus on looking at God's call for us to "Go for the G.O.L.D." It is time for every church member to step up and step out!  If you are truly "born again", you will choose to join us as we are going for the G.O.L.D (G-od O-ur L-ife D-estination).

     See you Sunday,

     Preacher Eddie