Dear Fam,

Pastor’s Class finished last night and we are interviewing 42 people for membership over the next two weeks. It was a great class. We had wicked weather almost every Wednesday night but they would not be deterred and plowed through to the end. I can’t wait for you to get to know them. God is so good to send us new family members.

SRCS continues to thrive. Our headmaster Dana James recently wrote, “We expect another year of growth. Our preliminary projections indicate that enrollment should fall between 450 - 480 students, and we expect many classes to fill up. We are at 396 today; we were at 326 this time last year! The next few years promise to be very special. Last week we received the New Image Award from the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce for the remodeling of the church and school offices. As you can see, our new preschool is taking shape and will be completed in May, ready for over a hundred preschoolers to start in August. We are also planning to break ground on the new athletic complex before the end of 2014. It should be fully operational by the Fall of 2015. God continues to do great things at SRCS!” Dana also delivered the annual State of the School Address two weeks ago. Here’s a link to Dana’s remarks and to 3 videos that were shown as part of the program: The Student Athlete; Extended Family & Two Families, One Story.

A new ministry to wounded hearts is beginning at SRPC – DivorceCare.Divorce and separation are painful and can leave you feeling hopeless and alone.  On Wednesday, February 19, we are starting a new group called DivorceCare that is designed to come alongside those who are going through divorce and/or separation and to offer a safe place for people to find encouragement, support and hope.  DivorceCare is led by people who have been through divorce and/or separation. For more information or to register click on the link Divorce Care at Seven Rivers Church in Citrus County.  This is not just for SRPC people, so if you know of someone who might benefit from this type of support, please let them know.

This weekend in worship we’ll meet Robert and Lois Carr – a couple we’ve supported in Uganda and Kenya for years. After worship there will be an informational meeting for those who want to go on a construction mission trip to Kenya this July (men) or a women's trip in June. Diane and I went to Uganda and Kenya a number of years ago and it was probably the most impactful foreign trip we’ve ever made.

I’m preaching this weekend on the Parable of the sower – Matthew 13: 1-9, 18-23. We’ll also be celebrating the Lord’s Supper. I can’t wait to be with you guys!

Love,

Ray