The big news of the morning was George Smith announcing his resignation as our Children’s Pastor in order to accept a call to become Senior Pastor of a church in NC. I’ll say more about that in a minute, but first there were other highlights from this morning.

The temperature was unusually cold, but attendance was pretty good. It kept a few of our older members home, but not as many as I expected. I met several new guests today, some attending for the first time. A few of them were already getting info on Sunday School classes and had spoken to FBC folk about SS. That is always good to hear.

Fourteen people who attended last Sunday evening’s Dinner with the Pastor joined FBC this morning and more will be joining in the weeks to come. It was moving at 10:30 to see a young mom join with her three small kids standing with her. Also standing with her were her parents. Her husband, who is stationed @ Fort Benning in Georgia, joined by proxy.

I got to make silly faces at some new babies this morning. I love it when they smile. I also shared with the congregation that Monieca and I will be grandparents again. That means a trip to Italy is in order next summer to see Jacqueline and her growing family.

I wrapped up the “It’s All God’s” sermon series with a message on the Biblical teaching that God created our body, including all its abilities – which includes the ability to make money. As disciples of Jesus, our attitude is one of wanting to honor God with all our “stuff” and tithing is one way we do this. I repeated the challenge I first mentioned last Sunday for everyone to obey God for one day by bringing a tithe to FBC on December 8.

Finally I want to say something about George. He is one of the most talented men I’ve ever had the privilege to know and serve with on staff. In fact I anticipate asking his help with various things in the future. I appreciate so many things about him and will miss him. I’ve also enjoyed watching him grow and know that he is ready to be a pastor and preach every Sunday. I look forward to seeing what God is going to do in his ministry. We will have a special time of saying “thank you” to George on Sunday, December 15 from 11:30 till 1:00 pm. As you have opportunity, let George know how much he’s meant to you and our church. Please pray for him, his family, and the church where he will begin serving as pastor on December 22.

Pastor Steve Hogg