Catching Up!

Life has sure gone from 0 to 10 in busy, busy, busy and my blog is one thing I have neglected greatly! But it's all good and I continue to stand in amazement at God's marvelous blessings on our lives. Besides this posting, there are a couple more below this one in trying to catch up on what has been going on the last couple of months.

This picture is of the sweet gals I work closely with every day at FBC, Springdale. From left to right: Anita Stewart, Personal Assistant and "right arm" to Pastor Floyd; Kathy McClure -- it's hard to give a title to Kathy - she does so much from organizing all the food events; decorating for many events, also the church's wedding coordinator as well as working with Women's Ministries; the next in line is Sandra McCoy, Administrative Assistant to Andy Wilson who is Executive Leader of Administration and Operations; and then May Wheeler, who assists Anita and Sandra. These girls are all very godly women and such a joy and pleasure to work with.

The next couple of pictures are our Spiritual Development Team that my boss, Clint Smith supervises. We have weekly staff meetings in the North Conference Room each Tuesday and these pictures are from our meeting last week. Clint is at the head of the table; going right around the table: Gina Franzke, Preschool and Women's Minister; Chuck Butler, Associate Minister to Students; Ashleigh Raley, Girl's Minister in the Student Department. Going left of Clint is: Jim Hyde, Minister of Married Adults, Men's Ministry, Prayer Minister and Faciliites Manager; Chris Swain, Minister of Singles and College; and Greg Westmoreland, Minister of Children. Isn't that the biggest conference table you have ever seen!!??!!

At the other end of the table is Cameron Bowman, Associate Minister to Children. On this particular day, we were missing Shawn Smith, Minister to Students and Bill Trueblood, Minister to Older Adults. This is a great team and also a pleasure to work with.


CONNECTION GROUPS

A couple of months ago, we got involved in our first Pinnacle Hills Home Group led by Reid & Donna Fairchild (their picture is to the right and this fine couple have already reached out to Jeff & I with love and friendship). I will add pictures of this Home Group soon.

Small Groups/Home Groups have always been very dear to Jeff & I's heart. The Church Planting Model that Jeff wrote while working in the Missions Office centered on small groups. Jeff led a Wednesday Night Home Group for 8 years while we lived in Conway and those folks remain close friends to this day. While pastoring FBC, Red Oak, Jeff led the church in beginning a Small Group ministry and we belonged to a wonderful group there. So we were definitely missing that "connection" when we first moved here. Once we joined Pinnacle, we immediately started visiting the Connection Groups that were offered. It didn't take long to know where we belonged - and that was in the Tuesday night Fairchild group. We have been studying the book "One Month To Live," which has been good and this group of folks are very loving and kind and have become dear to our hearts.

About a month ago, Jeff was asked by the leadership at Pinnacle to begin facilitating a Sunday night group which after prayer, Jeff gladly agreed to do. Jeff is teaching in the book of Philippians and we are loving the good folks in this group as well. Below are a couple of pictures of our Sunday night group. We appreciate so much the 3 couples who have graciously opened their beautiful homes for our group to meet: Russ & Kris Heithoff; Gary & Pat Phillips and Jeff & Carolyn Brown. These pictures were at the Phillips:



Jeff has been asked to do some writing for next year's Connection Groups' studies for both campuses (FBC and Pinnacle), so this is exciting and a major blessing! God didn't open the door for the JBU/CRE position and yes, we were disappointed for about 24 hours, but quickly was reminded that God knows best and will open the "best" door when the time is right. We are trusting Him and know He will not fail nor forsake us! For now, I'm lovin' having my husband home to keep the house cleaned, the laundry done and, many times, supper on the table -- can't beat that!!! :-)

With the recent tragic death of one of the sweetest gals I have ever met....Jill Attebery (pastor's wife to Scott and mother of 3 month old baby Bryce).....I am counting my blessings and working hard at being grateful for each and every day that God gives me and God gives each of my loved ones.

Thank you Lord for life and for each person in my life that adds love, joy, and fullness. God bless each reader and I am praying His richest blessings on your lives!