Something to Shout About This Summer

From the Cluttered Desk...July 09, 2006...Volume 51, Edition 28

MANY CHURCHES will spend their time focusing on a dip in attendance and giving and a variety of other woes this summer. We, on the other hand, have something to shout about. God is doing great things, and we need to praise Him for what He is doing.

ONE. We just finished a great VBS with hundreds of kids and nineteen professions of faith. Our staff and lay volunteers did a great job of making this year's VBS one of the best yet.

TWO. UPWARD is a vital and growing part of our ministry to the community. Even now, we are working on fields at the sports complex and preparing for an expanded UPWARD program in the fall. Thanks to every coach and parent who helps to make UPWARD a year-round, positive influence on our church and community.

THREE. God is sending us some great new families. I've had a great time meeting new families every week in the atrium. Some are new to the community, others are new to Sherwood, but He is sending people our way.

FOUR. We've already had a full summer for our students. No student should be bored at Sherwood. We've got plenty to do around here. The newly remodeled student area on the second floor of the Hope Building is a great place for students to hang out on Wednesday nights.

FIVE. The 4HIM Concert was a homerun. It was one of the finest concerts I've been to in a long time. Our media crew is now editing the footage for a concert DVD that will serve as a reminder of the lasting ministry of 4HIM.

SIX. We've asked God to change the world from Albany, . He's doing it. With the national attention given to Facing the Giants, people all over the country know about Sherwood Baptist Church. We have done dozens of interviews, been on national news programs and been featured on the front page of the LA Times. From Headline News to Hollywood, our second movie is being talked about all over the country.

SEVEN. The number of people willing to serve and use their gifts for God is incredible. We've had hundreds of people give of themselves this summer during VBS, Freedom Festival and a whole lot more. We are most like Jesus when we serve.

EIGHT. Believe it or not, we have reason to praise God for our financial needs. It causes us to pray. It demands our obedience. A dying church doesn't need money because it's not doing anything. A healthy, growing church, like a growing family, demands resources for ever-changing times.

NINE. Never before have we had such a solid and godly group of staff wives. They are all jewels. Every month they meet as a group for fellowship and prayer. Our staff has married well, and our staff wives are the best on the planet.

TEN. We've been meeting in the “new” buildings for five years. It's hard to believe. The time has passed so quickly, and we've used these buildings to the hilt. Thanks for taking care of them. I,m grateful to God for the space He has given us.

ELEVEN. Our deacons are simply some of the most humble and godly men you'll ever find. They serve quietly and effectively. They do not seek power, but seek to please God. They are a great encouragement to me.

TWELVE. A group of ladies has laid out an incredible plan for beautifying our property. They are asking for volunteers to help on July 15 from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm as we plant new flower beds and improve the street appeal of the church property. The way we maintain our facilities says a great deal about us.

THIRTEEN. I am grateful for the longevity of so many of our staff. We do not have a lot of turnover. The average staff member moves every 18 months. We have a great staff, and they are always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. They pull together like no staff I have ever seen. There are no egos in the bunch. They deserve our love, prayers and support.

FOURTEEN. God is doing great things, even in the summer, at SCA. We receive inquiries every week from families of potential students. The administration and faculty are committed to excellence and godliness.

FIFTEEN. Our giving to GENERATIONS is running on track. Thanks for helping to pay down the debt and build the sports complex. Without your sacrificial spirit, we couldn't do it!

SIXTEEN. The Alpha Center continues to minister to young ladies, most of whom are pregnant out of wedlock. We're changing the world as we give to ministries like Equip, which has trained over 1.5 million leaders overseas. We also invest in SLU, training young people from around the country to be godly leaders. We continue to support ICR, Bill Stafford’s ministry overseas. We support one of our own serving with Campus Crusade, and Eric and Ramona Reese are serving as missionaries in Brazil.

SEVENTEEN. What other church would do all the work required to invite the community to the Freedom Festival…fireworks, great food, a live band, army paratroopers, games and so much more. This pre-evangelism event allows us to impact thousands of people in our community.

EIGHTEEN. We have the greatest members of any church in the world. I wouldn't trade places with anybody I know. You are simply the best of the best. You make pastoring a joy. When I tell people they need to be a part of Sherwood because of the great people, I mean it. I love you, and I'll shout that as loud as I can and for as long as I live.

The Friar