Thank You and Summer Activities
On Sunday, June 6th, you took the time to recognize the 35th anniversary of my ordination. It was an anniversary that might have been easy for me to ignore. Instead, you made it into a day to remember and celebrate.
35 years ago, a month before I was to be married and 3 months before I would begin as pastor at my first church -- the York-Mumford Baptist Parish – I knelt while hands were laid on me and a prayer was said, all signs that people believed God had called me into this work of ministry.
Your taking time to celebrate that event with me is also validation of God’s continuing call on my life to serve in ministry. Thank you for your many expressions at the reception and individually.
I continue to learn as I grow in ministry. I have experienced God in the relationships and work we do together.
All Eyes on Africa!
While most of the world and our nation have focused our eyes on Africa to see the World Cup Soccer Tournament, eager to see how well the United States can compete with other nations, we at First Baptist have our eyes focused on other places in Africa. Our prayers and concerns are especially focused on three countries in June and July:
Egypt – Christy Brownell is serving on the staff of this year’s American Baptist X-treme Team. The team returns on July 13th. Check out the team member blogs at: http://www.xtremeteamonline.org/teams/374
Kenya – Brodie Shephard will spend the first 2 weeks of July in Kenya with a short-term mission team.
Mozambique – Ross Binder is spending a month with his son Michael in Mozambique and traveling around Africa.
Summer Preaching and Study Series:
Chapter 11 in the book of Hebrews is a listing of those in Faith’s Hall of Fame. This summer in sermon and study, I will focus on the message and characters of this chapter. It is an exciting chapter. What is faith? How have we seen it in others? What might faith look like in yours or my life?
My 6 sermon series will begin June 27th and 5 Wednesday night Bible studies will begin on July 21st. With each of these we will explore the richness and depth of this wonderful chapter.
Faithfully,
Pastor Leon