"Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church." I Corinthians 14:10

As we welcome our new Pastor Jeff McDonald, it seems an opportune time for our church to engage in some self-evaluation. Roger Babson wrote that "preachers and laymen are each rowing different oars, but they are both in the same boat. When only one oar is being pulled, there is a lot of splash but no progress." It was Jesus' intent that through the church, the wisdom and goodness of God should be made known to the world. It is with our individual gifts, talents and abilities, we are to serve our God, our church and our community.

Rick Warren in his book The Purpose Driven Church wrote that absolutely nothing will revitalize a church faster than rediscovering its purpose. There are many programs and missions our church has accomplished over the years, but it was Oliver Wendell Holmes who reminded us, "To reach the port of Heaven we must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it. But we must sail, and not drift nor lie at anchor." Come let Pastor Jeff know how you wish to serve your church.

WOW! Terrific Tuesday is really going strong. Forty-one young people participated in the first Tuesday with a visit to the zoo and the Sonic. This Tuesday they spent the day at the Texas Fish Hatchery. This is a wonderful opportunity for the young people to experience the joys of summer. Please let Kasey Oliver know if you might be willing to help with this program. This would be a great way for our retired grandparents to volunteer. Remember this program is nondenominational and everyone is welcomed. There is a small charge for some activities and sack lunches for most. Call the church office for additional information.

Big House, the U.M. Army for the junior high school students from 6th grade to 8th grade is scheduled for July 9th through the 12th. They will be helping with basic clean-up and repair of homes of those in need. This year they will be in Prosper, Texas.

Summer camp is around the corner. This year the students will have options. The District Summer Camp will be July 13-17, then the church will have a "Living Proof Camp" July 27-31 at a local campground. Maybe your child would like to attend both. Contact our Youth Director, Sean Young about the particulars.

At the monthly Family Night, Wednesday July 1, the pastor and family got a "pounding," with gifts of love. If you have not had an opportunity to meet Pastor Jeff and his family, plans are being made to have small groups scheduled at different times and in informal settings, to give each of us a chance to meet this wonderful family. In the meantime, come hear his sermons. You will learn what is in his heart as he shares his gift of preaching.

Thought for the Week: God determines who walks into your life; it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go. Feeling alone? Read Hebrews 13:5