I may have just celebrated The Best Father’s Day Ever! Now, that’s not to diminish my first Father’s Day after my son Matt’s birth in 1991 or my last Father’s Day when my Dad was still alive. But in terms of recent memory, it was fantastic. My family blessed me with French toast breakfast and my favorite lunch (Robin’s famous spaghetti and a coconut cream dessert!). All my children were in worship and each gave me a heartfelt hand written card (obviously all keepers!) and some new shirts and a “zip tie” (I told Tony he can borrow it!) and of course some great sweet treats! I also got to watch ”most” of The Congressional US Open as Rory McIlroy from Ireland won it all. Golf and sleep just seem to go together (I did have to endure some “I-Carly” between shots thanks to my youngest!). I was sad to learn that NBC began the programming with a Patriotic Tribute that purposely edited out “Under God” in a classroom of children saying The Pledge of Allegiance (twice). It’s a sad commentary on how far some leaders in our nation are willing to go to back away from acknowledgement of Almighty God and His blessing on America. Come join us for our American Heritage Video Series with David Barton on Wed. nights at 6:15 to learn the “real story” of Patriotism and Christianity in the founding and growth of our nation by our Founding Fathers.

For those of you in worship last Sunday you know what a great Father’s Day it was at First Church! We had an altar overflowing with Christian fathers on their knees as we dedicated ourselves again to the privilege and responsibility of being a Christian Dad. Steven and the worship team blessed us with “Lead Me” by Sanctus Real and each Dad was given a special gift by our children. I had the privilege of baptizing three adults; our own Mike Mitchell by immersion. What a blessing! I got to visit about my own Dad during the Children’s message and share a powerful testimony regarding one of our member’s Faith Promise commitment fulfilled unexpectedly in just two days! God is good!

This Sunday is a special day as well, as we officially say “good-bye” to The Jerry Ball Family and especially to Sandy who has served us so well and effectively these last six months, as our Business Manager here at First Church. She was a godsend to us (We’re also thankful for our new Business Manager Candi Claunch who I introduced last Sunday.) Though said to see The Balls leave; we’re thankful for the great job and promotion Jerry received with Honeywell in Arizona and for the influence they’ll be for Christ there. Please be sure to join us this Sunday after worship for a Reception in their honor in Harris Hall as we send them off with our prayers of blessing!

Yours in Christ’s Love,

Mark

PS – We need your blood! Our American Red Cross Blood Drive is this Sunday and will be held in The Choir Room. If you’re able; please come and donate a pint early! Thanks.