Yesterday was a banner day in our church and in my personal life as well. We had a phenomenal day at church and it was the 40^th anniversary of my wedding day. (You can read some personal stuff about that milestone in my previous 2 posts.)

-We celebrated our Vacation Bible School (VBS) yesterday. We finished it a week ago but we chose to have our celebration yesterday. It was awesome. We had a total of 47 different children attend VBS and we 35 of them come back for this celebration.

-The kids did fantastic. They sang, they did some Bible memory and they recounted the main points of every lesson when I quizzed them. Looks like they learned the lessons, now praying that they are really living the lessons.

-There was a lot of energy in the building as we worshiped. I loved it. There were a lot more smiles from the adults yesterday than I normally receive. Wonder what that is all about?

-An older couple came in a few minutes late. The kids were on the platform already doing their thing. This couple sat right in the middle of where the kids had been sitting and would return to sit when they finished. My wife whispered to me that I should go get them to move to some other seats. I said, “No, let ‘em fend for themselves”. It was fun to see the couple’s reaction when 30+ kids surrounded them. The couple handled it great and so did the kids.

-We had the second largest attendance we have had in my time here in Canton. It was awesome to see some parents, and other relatives in attendance who don’t normally attend. Praying that they will take the message the kids, and I, shared and accept it themselves.

-Praying that some of those family members will return and begin attending.

-It was great for our congregation to see the fruit of their prayers, their giving and their faithfulness with a platform full of kids and a sanctuary with so many people in attendance.

-The church had a big meal after the service in honor of our 40^th wedding anniversary. The food was great and the cake was delicious. We received so many cards and a wonderful love offering. This church body is good to us and shows us in so many ways week in and week out how much they love us. Ministry is so much fun with a group like this at your side.

-Our 2 daughters, one of our sons-in-law and 4 of our grandkids were able to be with us. One of our sons-in-law was leading worship at his church and our son, daughter-in-law and 5 grandkids are in Africa, but we did hear from all of them. Our house is full and so is my heart.

-We already have some kids saving for next year’s VBS offering! How cool is that?

-Our sound system even cooperated for most of the morning.

-Our District Superintendent slipped into the service and stayed for the meal after. It was great to have him witness what is taking place in Canton. Love that man and his leadership.

-We had a first time visitor come yesterday who didn’t know that we were having our VBS celebration. I hope we didn’t scare them off. But at least they saw a lot of energy, smiles and joy. That should be enough to get them to give us another shot.

Here’s to you finding joy in your service this week. I am praying that each person who reads this is encouraged and has a reminder that God is present where you are and that you are loved.

Dennis