Dear Family,
The Virginia earthquake certainly shook people up but fell, thankfully, short of a natural “disaster.” I got a big kick (or tremor, if you will) out of this picture!

• While on the subject of natural disasters, our DR (Disaster Relief) team is in Ringgold, Georgia doing tornado relief this week. Should hurricane Irene bring devastation I’m sure they’ll be on the road to help, if needed.

• Some of our family members are feeling significant hardship. Here’s a report a report on two of them.

Ella Joy Loughridge’s uncle Brecht writes of her, “Ella is two years old now, but while still growing inside her momma, she contracted a virus called CMV, Cytomegalovirus. CMV is actually quite common in adults, treated easily and can even go largely unnoticed. However, if a fetus contracts CMV, it can become a dangerous torching virus that attacks the baby’s central nervous system, severely affecting sight and hearing development, motor skills and can lead to many other complications including developmental delays and mental retardation of varying degrees. Because it’s torching, whatever damage has been done cannot be repaired or reversed. As Ella grows up only then will the full extent of the virus’ impact be discovered. Ella eats and drinks through a G-tube, suffers from seizures and has taken several helicopter rides to the emergency room and, like a lot of people on this earth, she has many special needs that will be with her for the rest of her life. The incredible thing is…when you meet Ella, she is completely happy, content and has no idea that her life is hard; and her parents, while they know, they celebrate the life of this child and embrace their purpose in it – they all go through their days with boldness and grace and an unfazed faith that God is sovereign in their life.

Dale McCollough is a longtime member and elder of SRPC who has been diagnosed with MSA (Multiple System Atrophy-Cerebellar [MSA-C]). A condition that has lead to a rapid deterioration of Dale’s balance, mobility and speech. Dale is on the list to be a part of a clinical trial which would begin soon.

Life is hard for Ella Joy’s family and for Dale and Debbie McCollough. Would you pray for them?

• This Saturday night after worship, you’re not allowed to leave immediately. Ok—you’re allowed, but we hope you hang around the narthex and enjoy ice cream together before you depart. On Sunday, we’ll serve doughnut holes—only 60 calories apiece! Doing church isn’t just singing songs, and listening to some guy preach (even if the guy is stunningly handsome). Doing church involves being the church—hanging out together, eating together, enjoying your family. So, hang with us this weekend!

• We have a super video this weekend, and I’ll be preaching on the distinctives of SRPC’s approach to ministry.

Can’t wait to worship with you!

Sincerely,

Ray