New Members

As I shared at the meeting I was saved on Monday, September 26, 1977, at 10:30 PM. I have been serving the Lord ever since that day in various capacities. I am presently an Associate Sunday School Director and have been for two years. I was a Social Director for 17 years of various departments (several of you participated in my socials). I was a Sunday School Directory for five years (several of you were in my departments). I coached men's softball teams for eight years (several of you played on those teams). I coached co-ed volleyball teams for four years (ditto). I have been a Game Director for Awanas, board member of Great Hills Christian School, Sunday School teacher for 7th grade boys, Prayer Coordinator for the BSU, Finance and Fund Raising Chairman for the Reflections choir, Christian's in Action (CIA) group leader, and a Sheppard Group leader for several departments. I do not say all of this to toot my own horn, but rather to let you know that it is no small statement when I say that out of all of the ministries that I have been involved in I regard serving the Lord through FCS as my most rewarding ministry.

It's true that we haven't had that many conversions (two that I am aware of) and haven't swelled church rolls through this ministry, however, that never has been our focus. We are, as our name clearly states, a fellowship organization. Fellowship is a vital ministry. Through it people become connected with others, form friendships, and grow together. Without it a church/organization will wither and die. Fellowship ministries don't get the publicity that several other ministries do and is often scoffed at as just "fun and games." But I would stack what we have accomplished in building relationships over the past 17 years against any ministry in Christendom. For those who ill regard fellowship, the Apostle Paul penned a wonderful response "The eye can never say to the hand, 'I don't need you.' The head can't say to the feet, 'I don't need you.'" 1 Corinthians 12:21. Likewise mission oriented ministries (for example) cannot say to fellowship oriented ministries "I don't need you."

I used the gift certificates to purchase two things that I have wanted for some time. I used the Sportsmen's Warehouse gift certificate towards the purchase of a Springfield Armory XD compact .40 S&W pistol. I'll use this pistol for concealed carry after I get my CHL. With the Academy gift certificate I got a 30 gallon feeder. Believe it or not I've never owned a big feeder and, now that I've got a place to put one, I will use it to keep hogs in the area where we hunt.

4/11/05