Southern's Stirrings                                   

Special Bulletin:  The recent thunderstorm (possible tornado) that hit our area yesterday (Monday, July 19) caused a lot of tree damage and power outage.  At this writing, I'm unaware of any injury or death due to the 70-80 mile per hour winds.  We are very thankful that all of the new shingles on the church roof are holding firm and that the decision to remove the tree struck by lightning was a very sound pro-active move.

                                            Interim Minister Search Continues

John Forbes, Chair of the Personnel/Interim Ministry Steering Committee, informs me that the committee continues its interview process.  Applications are being reviewed and some personal interviews have been conducted to find the person who will begin interim ministry on August 16.  The interim minister may be hired for 12 to 18 months, depending upon the needs of the congregation.  More information will be forthcoming as it is appropriate and available.  The committee's choice will be brought to the Board for vote at the August 11 meeting, or if not ready by then, at a special Board meeting.  Generally, the congregation does not vote on an interim minister as it does for a permanent one.  If one cannot be secured by August 16, short term pulpit and pastoral help will be provided week by week as individuals are recruited to lead worship.  Elders will be on standby for pastoral care needs.

At the same time, the Search and Call committee (formerly Pulpit Committee) is being formed and will begin that process of analyzing applications, conducting phone interviews, narrowing candidates and the like.  The co-chairs and members will be announced shortly.  Rev. Scott Woolridge, Associate Regional Minister for the Christian Church in Illinois and Wisconsin, is working with both groups.

I am enjoying preaching this last sermon series on "What matters most to God".  In my sermons, I have been developing the many different aspects and applications of Christian love.  I'm glad that you found the Adrian Monk Bible Study helpful as we followed "his analysis of the Feeding of the 5,000 men miracle."  We'll never have enough....time, talent, treasure, people or energy for living into God's good future, But we can offer our meager resources (5 barley loaves and 2 sardines) for Jesus to take, bless, break and use.  Miracles are waiting for us as we offer God our hopes and dreams for future pastoral leadership and the living out of our vision for DMCC.  From I Cor. 13, we are learning that Christian love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres and that we need to become belongers, not just believers (Romans 12:5)  Believers are like couples who live together rather than get married.  They feel they can easily leave if it doesn't work out.  Believers leave church at the first problem with another person, at the first request for time or labor, let alone offering.  Belongers are committed, and in relationship with God and Christ's body, the church, for the long haul.  They will practice Christian love by protecting each other (being backup), trusting, hoping and persevering in the faith.

This week's sermon is designed to help us move into that vision by looking at "What will it take to move together into God's good future?"  We will need three qualities of Christian love -- patience, truthfulness, and forgiveness.  Hope to see you Sunday.

                                                                                                                  God's Peace, Lonnie

PS - Thank you for your generous offerings and support of our congregation's ministry during these tight summer months.