Life is going to get more interesting this month.  My wife sprained her ankle (or at least hurt it) this past week and has been unable to put weight on it or walk very well. Hopefully, in a few days she will be better.  We have a full agenda with the Church of God General Assembly, the MSLI, Weekly youth meetings, church, a bowling party and of course, Thanksgiving.  We are always active and blessed with an abundant life from God.  However, it will be different in a couple of aspects – first the good news.  We will be having another grandson due on November 14 with the only obstacle being that it will be in Atlanta, Georgia.  Somehow we will overcome the distance.

The unexpected news is “I need to have extensive knee replacement surgery” on Thursday, November 21st.  SO, this will cause some adjustments in youth scheduling, it will put me down for a few weeks followed by some weekly rehab and hopefully, have me ready to travel to Guatemala in February. Fortunately, I am blessed with a great wife and super youth counselors, Jo & Lawrence Adams, who will carry on the torch through the next couple of months.  We don’t know all the adjustments, however we will keep you informed.  I am asking for your prayers!!  God will be GOOD all the time!

Our Sunday mornings continue to buzz along with our study of “The Parables of Jesus” and the “Circle Maker” will be coming to close just before my surgery.  Our Sunday morning and nights plus Tuesdays have been experiencing great attendance with lots of energy, prayer and the Word of God.  Both youth meetings have had to work through some issues this Fall and that can be shared by your son or daughter.  But, youth is going well and we are growing both spiritually and in numbers. Praise God!

Our fundraisers continue.  Several youth earned money working at the fairgrounds a couple Saturdays ago, we did very well at the Bake Potato Supper, Olive’s yard will begin raking on November 4th, the Gift Card sale ends on November 3rd and we will have a poinsettia & wreath sale beginning next week.  Preparing for registrations for Winter Retreat and the International Youth Convention is keeping us very focused.

There will be a Bowling Party @ Northern Lanes on Saturday, November 16th and we will be packing Community Thanksgiving Baskets at Aldersgate Methodist Church on the afternoon of Sunday, November 24th.  Our Christmas Party will be December 15th.  There will be NO YOUTH on Sunday, November 24th because of the Community Thanksgiving Service at the Meridian Church of God and November 30 because of the Mt. Haley Hanging of the Greens Celebration Service.

We have two Big Events to register for in December. Winter Retreat is the weekend of January 10-12, 2014.  A $50 registration is due to the state office by Wednesday, December 4th.  To accommodate that due date, we will need your $50 and confirmation of attendance by Sunday, November 30.  Registration can take place after that date, but it costs more and the registrations are limited this year.  Tommee Profitt will be the band along with Michael Thigpen as the speaker.  Letters are being sent to parents this week.

The second registrations is the Early Bird Bonus Registration for the International Youth Convention in Nashville, TN on July 5–8, 2014.  The cost is $115 and must be postmarked by December 12, 2013. Registration will continue, however, the cost increases at different due dates.  The Speakers, Worship Leaders and Christian Bands haven’t been announced but they will be “Big Name” venues.  There will be many discussions about raising the funds for food, lodging and transportation.  Parents should have received a letter about this already.

Parents and church, your prayers, support and encouragement are greatly appreciated and we look forward every week to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with our students through interaction, study, fellowship and relationship.  Thank you for sharing your son or daughter.

Love God, Love People

Blessings,

Pastor Jerry