Dear Members and Friends of the Dalton First United Methodist Church -

 

Greetings in the name od the Lod Jesus Christ! 

 

I give thanks to my God always as I remember you in my prayers.  I especially remember your integrity.  Integrity is being the same in our public and private lives.  This demonstrates the reality of God's working our lives.  While understanding all fall short of the glory of God, our character is our major witness to the world.  I see your integrity.   And, I give thanks to God.

The other day I was reading a little pamphlet entitled Bits & Pieces on Leadership.  I ran across a quote that took my breath away - attributed to Ashley Cooper, writer.  I do not know anything about Ashley Cooper, but I heard truth in these words:

THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS

 

Truth, if it becomes a weapon against persons.

Beauty, if it becomes vanity.

Love, if it becomes possesive.

Loyalty, if it becomes blind, careless trust.

Tolerance, if it becomes indifference.

Self-confidence, if it becomes arrogance.

Faith, if it becomes self-righteous.

 

Precious Lord, let me live your truth, beauty, love, loyalty, tolerance, self-confidence and faith without distorting it by my own deficiencies.  Despite my shortcomings, most holy Lord, let your reality shine through my life.  Forgive me, dear Lord, and help others to forgive my failures.  In addition, Lord, help me to forgive others their failures.  In Christ's holy name I ask you to help me live your witness in my life as well as in my words.  Amen.

Neighborhood meetings continue for the next two weeks.  I think the last one is November 2.  These have been exhausting at times but every single one of them has been fulfilling as well.  Kathy and I have had face time with so many people quickly - face time that might have required years otherwise.  Kathy and I are so grateful to the transition team for this work.

The Finance Committee met last week and we will not be setting the budget until either the end of the year or the beginning of next year.  However, right now the projections are we will be very close in 2010 to the 2009 budget - one or two percentage points up or down as the case may be. 

On a personal note about giving, Kathy and I are excited to invest our tithe in such a wonderful church.  We are still so excited to be here (the new has not worn off yet - may never).  I am so grateful for the continued financial support you have given the church during these difficult economic times.  "Difficult economic times" is such an interesting statement.  These days have been catastrophic for some and have affected virtually everyone.  More than anything, I wanted you to know that the staff and lay leadership of Dalton First UMC will strive to spend this money effectively and wisely for ministry.  Thanks for your support.

Kathy's Mother, Doris Freeman, came through her knee replacement surgery very well.  She is home recuperating.  Kathy has been back and forth several times and will have to return soon to help caring for her Mother.  We praise God for the successful surgery!

The conversations we are starting about the future of our church at these neighborhood meetings never end.  My door will always be open to receive your input.  We are all in this together, standing side by side, and I would have it no other way.  What great fun to do God's work God's way with God's people. 

God bless.  See you Sunday!

In Christ,

Dr. Robin L Lindsey
Dalton First United Methodist Church
706-278-8494 (Office)

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