Welcome to the month of August! The eighth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar literally means “inspiring reverence or admiration.” I’m praying that this month will live up to its name in our lives as a church family. The Psalmist once cried out “Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere Him” (Psalm 33:8). May each day of this month inspire us fear and revere the Lord. Let’s live each one of the next thirty-one days respecting the Lord’s power and authority and being in awe of the One who has saved us out of the depths of His love, mercy, and grace.

The arrival of August always reminds me that summer is quickly slipping away. August paves the way for students preparing to go back to school and the long-anticipated return of football (Go Big Red!). August is always a pivotal month for our church family and filled with many special events.

• Leadership & Budget – Copies of the 2022-2023 leadership candidate bios and proposed budget are now available on the welcome center in the church lobby. Jerry Pierce (deacon candidate), Sean McCracken (deacon candidate), and Josh Lively (elder candidate) are being presented to the membership for reaffirmation. All three of these men have been examined in the areas of character, competence, & chemistry, serving faithfully in these leadership roles over the past three years, and deemed qualified to serve for another term by the elder team. If any member has information that calls into question their biblical qualifications to serve in their respective leadership position should bring this concern to the elders before the annual meeting.
   
• Annual Meeting – This year’s annual meeting will be held in the sanctuary at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday August 28th. During the meeting members will be asked to affirm the proposed 2022-2023 proposed budget and leadership candidates. Members are strongly encouraged to attend to ensure that we have a quorum and non-members are invited as well – if you’re unable to attend the meeting, please contact the office to complete an absentee ballot before the meeting.
   
• Lakeside Baptisms – I’m excited to announce that we will have several baptisms during the worship service at Reinhardt’s Lake on August 28th. And it's not too late for you! If you’re a believer in Jesus who desires to take this step of obedience and make your public profession of faith through baptism, please let me know. Baptism packets are available at the Welcome Center.

God is doing a mighty work in and through us as a church family as we strive to fulfill our mission of developing dedicated followers of Jesus Christ who worship, grow, love, and share – all for the glory of God! Please take a few minutes to read this month’s newsletter for more information about all the exciting things happening this month. May all that we do this month inspire us to revere our great and mighty God who loves us with an everlasting love and has saved us by His grace.

You are loved and prayed for – serve Him well!