by Dr. Frank R. Lewis, senior pastor
August is one of my favorite months. It brings with it the familiarity of schedules as the school year begins anew. As much as I enjoy vacations and the leisurely times that accompany summer travel, I feel much more productive when life's rhythms are back in place. I bet you do too.
August brings new faces to town as college students begin to repopulate the local campuses. We are always glad to welcome these wonderful students into the life of our congregation. Church pews look a little better as their seats become occupied by the faithful who have returned tanned and well rested. Sixth graders attend their first Youth Group meetings, first graders get their Bibles, and a new class of four year-olds comes to Big Church. It all happens in August.
I want to encourage you to reconnect with your church family this August. We've enjoyed one of the best summers we've had in a long time with lots of activity under our steeple. We've welcomed new members to our church, celebrated God's blessings with the reports of returning mission teams, and enjoyed God's presence in some powerful times of worship. August promises to be even better.
Your church is doing well financially, but I want to remind you that we missed two Sundays in 2010 due to the cancellation of Sunday morning worship services (once for snow, once for floods.) It would be really great for August to be a catch-up month for us in our giving. Your offerings make a difference in the way we support missions, care for our community, and respond to a variety of needs and opportunities. Once you know the need, you are always a generous people. Thanks for giving this your attention.
This August issue of The Evangel will introduce you to several ways you can grow and serve the Lord through the ministry of your church, First Baptist Nashville. Thanks for all you do to make this a great place to share Christ's love starting in downtown and continuing around the world!
