Dear Fam,
Last year was a great year for SRPC. We felt the sweet kiss of our Father in so
many ways. When I was a kid, we’d sing
in church – “Count your blessings name
them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” So let’s remember for a moment what God did
in 2011/2012 at SRPC.
·
Attendance spiked upward –a number of months
we’ve averaged 100 more people per week than last year.
·
SRCS surged scholastically – by a number of
statistical measures the academic progress of our students increased
exponentially.
·
Summer conference was stellar – Jean Larroux’s
preaching was just what the doctor ordered for us and for him. Jean wrote the SRPC congregation to say, “My Dear Friends, Fellow Fishermen and
General Gospel Refugees, Thank you for welcoming a weary man like myself with
such open arms. It is one thing to say
it’s “okay” that we are not “okay” but is quite another to find a safe harbor
like Seven Rivers where that is lived out!
Your kindness, laughter, passion and compassion will be forever
emblazoned on my mind and left a lasting impression on all my girls! Thank you for helping all of us love the
Bride of Christ even more!”
·
There was high interest in every education class
we offered!
·
Project Beautiful was…..beautiful. The Stone Crab Jam outreach had SRPC in the fray
and serving our community beautifully.
·
We rebuilt the staff team by hiring Robyn
Shipes, Teri and Adam Hill and Marty Cates.
·
Mission Trips to Ecuador, Montgomery,
Tuscaloosa, Vienna and New Orleans had SRPC giving and going with gospel
delight.
·
Our Christmas and Blind Boys Concerts were both
sold out and stellar.
·
Brandon Lauranzon was ordained to the gospel
ministry!
·
Trunk or Treat, Easter Egg Hunt and Camp Seven
Rivers were a blast!
·
Beautiful local ministry initiatives were begun
by SRPC folks – The River Project (Teen Sexual Abstinence) and Filter (At Risk Youth)
while ministries like Disaster Relief, Teen MOPS and the New Horizon’s Ministry
Team quietly and persistently served the beleaguered and broken!
·
New screens were added to the sanctuary, the
parking lot was redone, a counseling center was created in our Student Ministry
Building and the façade of the sanctuary was painted.
We are on the precipice of another church year. A very
special one for Diane and me – our 30th year here. Before we begin however – it’s good to
remember and rejoice in the unfailing love of our God.
·
The Global Leadership Summit is this Thursday
and Friday in our Sanctuary from 10:00a.m. – 6:00p.m. each day. Over 100 are
signed up. If you beg we can probably still
get you in! (soneal@sevenrivers.org
)
·
Pastor’s Class starts August 29 – just three
weeks away. I can’t wait to see who God
will bring and how He’ll open hearts and minds to His grace and love. Call the church office or sign up online here.
·
This weekend in worship, we’ll ordain and
install deacons on Saturday night and elders on Sunday morning. On Saturday night we’ll honor Johnnie Gregory
for his long and fruitful service as an SRPC deacon. Steve and Ginny Saint hope to be in worship
this weekend – won’t that be awesome.
I’m preaching on Samson and Delilah (Judges 16) and….God will be in the
house. Can’t wait to see you.
Ray
