Yesterday was a wonderfully difficult day. It was filled with some great high points and a few low ones. In many ways that is how most Sundays could be described when you are a pastor. Let me share with you how this one came about …

-We had some of the worst technical problems we have had since I have been here. (And that is saying a lot.) The front projector that shows announcements, words to the music and some of my sermon points went out as we began to sing our first song and we never got it working again. This was made even more painful by the fact that the first song was a new one being taught to our congregation.

-The new families that have visited recently have continued to attend and talk like they have chosen to become a part of our church. This is a real encouragement to me, and the congregation, as we have made some changes in our ministry to reach more families and have been praying to impact more families.

-In spite of the technical difficulties during worship there was a wonderful spirit during the entire service.

-I was sick yesterday. In fact I was sick all last week but felt the worst on Sunday. I have a nasty cold that is knocking me for a loop. If I don’t have a cough drop in my mouth or liquid in my throat I cough something terrible. That presents problems while attempting to teach or preach. Thankfully I didn’t have any full blown coughing fits while teaching my class or preaching. I am fearful that if I had everyone might have left.

-Our new approach to Children’s Church is working very well and has been a major factor in attracting a couple of our new families.

-Our small group did not meet last night because my wife and I didn’t want to expose them to our germ infested house since she is also not feeling well. I really missed meeting with them, but I would have been of little value as I was wiped out from the morning.

-We have so many wonderful servants in our church. Yesterday was another time that highlighted their dedication. As many of them were here early to make sure the change in weather with a significant drop in temperature and some light snow would not cause a problem. Week in and week out we have many people at church an hour or two early getting prepared for the morning ministries.

-I love watching our people welcome the newer families to our church. They are warm, genuine and go way beyond just shaking hands.

-The information class I taught the past few weeks to give people more insight into what we believe and the vision of our church has gone very well. It has increased in attendance each week and people have asked great questions.

-We had more in attendance for worship yesterday than we had on Easter Sunday. That is pretty cool for a cold November Sunday.

-I decided to make my sermon a two part message. I didn’t make that decision until about 3/4th of the way through it yesterday. I realized I wanted to go a little further and really lay out some practical steps for them. The message was on “The Key to Live Powerfully”.

-In 2 weeks and a few hours my wife and I will be with our son, daughter-in-law and 5 grandkids in Kenya. We haven’t been able to hug them for nearly a year and half. To say that we are excited about this would be a major understatement.

Here’s hoping this cold moves on. Here’s hoping that you are encouraged today. Here’s hoping that you recognize God’s presence in your life today.

Dennis