SERVANT OF THE GOSPEL

This past Sunday we learned about Paul and the many titles he gave himself in preaching the gospel. He was a servant of the gospel and an instrument of God intent on devoting his life to reaching out to others and telling them the good news about Jesus Christ. What are you doing this week to be a servant of the gospel like Paul to spread the good news. Me...I'm driving around in my car and everybody that I pass can tell that God rocks! So thanks for that Katie and Caitlyn.

WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL

Tomorrow is the first day of school. Don't keep hitting that snooze alarm or you could miss more than school--you could miss the opportunity to take advantage of the gift of a new day and a new school year.

LAKE REPORT

Well we celebrated the coming end of summer and mourned the beginning of another school year during a hot hot hot weekend at the lake. Unfortunately, I forgot the camera so there are no pictures to share. Thanks to the Austins for their hospitality and the Sawyers for their van and boat driving. Alex showed off his water skiing prowess and the rest of us did some tubing. There was also a professional rock throwing contest. Dennis didn't win but he at least did better than Emily and Sarah. Saturday night was all about cookout feasting and late night TP'ing (which according to Caroline involves tissue paper--who knew?) Now that you have all had one last opportunity for sun and fun, you should be ready to return to school with no complaints (at least until Labor Day weekend).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Lots of August birthdays to celebrate this month. Jonathan on August 13 and Alex on August 16 and Renee and Caitlyn on August 19. And let's see...did I leave anyone out?...hmmmm...oh yeah...ME!

BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING: A CHALLENGE

Believe it or not, it is time to start thinking about going back to school. This weekend is state tax-free weekend so you can go shopping for clothes and computers and school supplies with no state tax being added.

I have a challenge for you: when you are out shopping for yourself this month, buy a school supply (or school supplies) and we will collect them all on our first youth group meeting on August 28 so they can be donated.