Greetings Brethren!

I was very encouraged and inspired by your answers, comments and suggestions during the most recent sermon in the four congregations.

I’m currently compiling the responses into a master document that will hopefully capture the spirit and feel of the discussion and help us to move forward in our common Christian faith.

For now there’s a couple of concrete things that your ideas have inspired:

1. I’ve set up “office” hours in Cape Giraradeau and Paducah. The purpose is for a church representative to be at the building at least once a week besides the sabbath. If someone seeking God’s truth needs literature, counsel or anything else someone will be available. It will also be YOUR time. If you need counsel these are hours that can be dedicated to that. Even if you just want to visit with me and/or Dianne and just hangout please feel free to swing by the building and see us.

Here are the hours: Paducah: Tuesday afternoons from 1 PM to 5 PM. Cape Girardeau: Thursday afternoons from 1 PM to 5 PM.

2. Explainer videos - If you’re on Facebook or have checked the local websites you’ll see a couple of videos for the churches. The purpose is to explain some of our beliefs and practices LOCALLY. I would encourage you to use these videos. Post them to various “For sale” groups you might belong to that are local to the area. Do this with other ads that might you might see on our congregation Facebook pages.

We cannot stand still as Christians. We have to continually be moving forward as individuals and as a group. This principle is clearly taught in scripture:

Galatians 6:7  Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 
Galatians 6:8  For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 
Galatians 6:9  And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 
Galatians 6:10  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Eternal life is OURS if we do NOT stop. If we do NOT grow weary of doing good. Part of doing that is growing in love and faith toward God and each other as well as getting God’s truth to as many as God is calling. As we do this we are flaming the spirit of God in us and our excitement and enthusiasm will grow and we will grow and feed off each other. This BRIGHT BURNING of God’s spirit in us is the light that can’t be hidden.

Take care and see you soon!

Doug