I don’t think we have ever had a better fall semester than the one we are experiencing right now. The goal every year is to get people re-engaged after summer vacations, get them involved in worship and discipleship activities, and of course reach new people as well!

Some years, for whatever reason, it is harder to do that than it is other years. Some years, it is literally Thanksgiving before some people make it back to church, and sadly some do not make it back at all!

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This year, we started quickly with record numbers in terms of attendance for Sunday worship and record numbers for discipleship on Wednesdays! We’ve just completed a great outreach event for men on October 16th. The fellowship Hall was filled to capacity that night, the message was great, and we had several men respond with spiritual decisions. We followed that up with another outreach event, Trunk or Treat, and in spite of the rainy weather it was a great event. Because of the weather, we were forced to have the event inside in the gym, the children’s area, and the Pavilion, but it was still a great event. The gym was packed with people making their way around to get candy for their kids. It was a great time of fellowship, and we met lots of people!

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Now, it is important that we finish well, and I have no reason to think that we will not finish the year strong. The Fall discipleship semester will conclude the last of November/first of December and then reach a climax with the Christmas Eve Service! I think it is going to be a special Christmas Eve Service this year! I can’t wait!

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So, I would just encourage you to make worship and discipleship a priority as we work our way to the close of the year. There are always a ton of distractions that are peculiar to each semester. For example, every year, at the beginning of each fall semester we have an outbreak of some sort, whatever it may be as kids get back in school and that affects that church as well. We experienced that this year with some sickness, but it was minimal this year. Some years it is weather, and we did have a weather event this year, but it was just one Wednesday night. (That was an eventful night!)

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Personally, we each face our own distractions as well, and it is important to fight through those times and stay on track or we can become completely sidetracked! I hope that you will remain committed throughout the remainder of the year. I think if you can do that you will see what it is producing in your own life and the life of your family! Our staff is committed to giving you those opportunities! When you show up to TBC I am convinced you will find staff members, SS teachers, AWANA, Youth, Sr Adult, etc. that are excited to see you and prepared to minister to you!

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Speaking of Staff members, we added a new staff member last week. That church called Matthew Pritchard as our Minister to Young Adults, College and Career. Matthew is a great person as is his wife, Mallory! They are quality individuals, and we are thrilled to have them in our congregation and now as part of our staff!

The vote for Matthew was unanimous in both services which is very exciting! It speaks loudly to how people feel about him and the need for his ministry to young adults and young families in our church!

When you see Matthew, congratulate him, and our young adults will be hearing about his plans for ministry in their lives.

God Bless You! Have a great week!  Hope to see you each Sunday and each Wednesday night!

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jlk