Dear Family,
The 2011/2012 church year is off to a roaring start. Seven Rivers Christian School increased their enrollment (during a recession!), MOPS welcomed seven new ladies, the Wednesday night Romans class has over 70 attending, RUSH Student Ministry small groups have begun, a missions trip to Tuscaloosa for tornado relief is leaving in October, the choir is practicing and making plans for a knockout Christmas program, Teen MOPS hosted 16 young girls and their babies, small groups are everywhere, college ministry began at Central Florida with 22 attending the first meeting, the Edge had 40 plus kids last week, and the pastor is having a blast teaching on The Story!
• Josh Bales, who has assisted with worship leadership at SRPC for the last three years has taken a full-time job at a church in Orlando. We will miss Josh and Mindy’s regular visits but will have them one more time in October to thank Josh for loving and leading us so well. Adam Hill (worship associate and technical director) and Teri Hill (children’s ministry director) will begin at SRPC on October 10. Can’t wait for you to meet the Hills!
• Five Recommendations!
• Dinner — Go to the Rusty Duck (now open Thursday – Saturday nights only). Louise Aneiro who attends SRPC is a culinary miracle worker. The food coming out of the kitchen in the eclectic vine-entangled Duck is staggeringly good.
• Documentary — The Freedom Riders. The brutality and hatred of the mob and the police will shock you. The courage and determination of the riders will inspire you.
• Book — Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids With The Love Of Jesus by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson.
• Video Short — Man In The Red Bandanna: The story of Welles Crowther. The Man in the Red Bandanna on 9/11 inspires me!
• Blog Post — “The World Is Filled With Boys Who Can Shave” by Mark Driscoll
• Would you pray for Mike and Jamie (Lavoie) Strawn’s newborn son, Brayden. Brayden was born Saturday with spina bifida and underwent surgery on Monday at St. Pete All Children’s Hospital. He is doing well, but they are watching him for the next 5-7 days concerned that there could be fluid on his brain.
• Upcoming Events
• October 1, 2 – Lord’s Supper in worship with prayer for healing offered.
• October 30 – Trunk or Treat
• November 12-20 — Hunger Week
• January 15 – MLK Community Event / The Blind Boys of Alabama
• See you this weekend in worship.
Love,
Ray
