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

 

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

 

I give thanks to my God always as I remember you in my prayers.  I

especially remember your gracefulness.  Experiencing your grace and

hearing the stories of grace in your life are powerful experiences in my

life.  I thank God for your grace.

 

I was reading the other day from Good News by J.B. Phillips.  I was deeply

moved by his words, 'Reduced to its simplest possible terms the Good News is simply that God is Love....Let us also be on our guard against that

common human tendency to elaborate a simple issue....I do not claim that

Christianity is easy...I do claim that it is not complicated....I became more

and more convinced that the things upon which Christians agree are very

much greater than those on which they differ.  In common honesty I could

not deny, even if I wished, that the same Holy Spirit it at work in all

the churches."

 

Precious Lord, let me be filled with the love you have for me.  Let me

live my life in response to that love by loving you, dear God, and my

neighbor.  In all circumstances and in all situations, let me be guided by

your love, dear Lord.  In the complications of my life and in the

complications of the church's life, my Lord and my God, please do not let

me forget the simplicity of Who you are:  LOVE.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

 

Wow!  It was wonderful to be back in the pulpit this past Sunday.  I truly

felt God's Spirit at work among us.  If you aren't attending one of our

worship services, may I humbly invite you to pray through that decision.

I can't wait for Sundays to arrive!  This Sunday I will be preaching from

Philippians 3:12-14, "Holy Discontent:  The Art of Continuing to Grow Up."

Holy Discontent is one of my favorite terms - I actually think I may have

originated that one.  I used it with Staff and used it with the clergy as a

District Superintendent.  I look forward to opening up the concept to you.

 

Kathy and I taught the first through fifth grade children this past

Sunday.  I didn't necessarily do a great  job, but I really enjoyed the

contact with the children.  Of course, Kathy is always great with

children.  I appreciate Jan Byrum giving me the opportunity, and I

appreciate the River Guides who stayed with us - thanks!

 

Thank all of you who say you will remember my Mother, Sibyle Lindsey, in your prayers.  Her surgery was today Floyd Medical Center in Rome.

 

I made trips this week to Memorial Hospital and Parkridge Hospital in

Chattanooga.  Those were firsts for me.

 

We had a great vacation at St. Simons Island, but I sure was glad to get

back to the Westcott House (our home) and my office.  Now that school is

back in session, the staff senses the increased activity and energy level.

 

We are moving forward!  Of course, that only works with volunteers like

you working alongside us.  Thanks for the thousands of hours you give us.

In fact, you began sharing about the Hands On Ministry this past week -

why not step up and volunteer.  Check the Atrium or call the office for

more details.