Be joyful always; pray continually;
give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Do not put out the Spirit’s fire!
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-19, New International Version)

I thank God for you, First Baptist Church of Plano! As I pray for you each day, I am thankful for our partnership in the gospel—in all circumstances. On a personal note, thank you for your encouragement and help throughout Dedi’s recent hospitalization. We are deeply grateful for your expressions of kindness. Thanks, too, for your sweet notes and words of comfort last week as my family grieved the loss of my Aunt Helen.

As your pastor, let me say “Thanks!” for enthusiastically embracing the announcement that we will continue to worship in one joyful Sunday morning service beyond summer’s end. The congregation has charged the Church Council with the responsibility for determining the worship schedule. After careful study of the history and trends of our worship attendance, the Council concluded that the “uncomfortably empty” sanctuary in the two service schedule was a major deterrent to growing the congregation forward. The Council concurred with the unanimous recommendation of the ministerial staff to continue with the current one-service format. Your overwhelmingly positive response is a great encouragement.

“Being God’s Family” continues to be our theme; just as in any family, not everyone shares the same excitement any time a decision affects personal preferences. Some are disappointed because 8:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. were “just right” for them; I hope they can find their way to worship together at 10:30 a.m. I look forward with each of you to the time when our morning worship attendance is “uncomfortably full,” so we can explore options for schedule and style of worship.

The right thing to do is to accelerate that process by “Being God’s Family!” Pray for the lost, care for those in need, and share the Good News of God. As we gather and as we bring those who need to know the Lord, He will be honored and we will grow.

Choose joy. Pray right now.
Be thankful—no matter what—for this pleases God.
Be careful with the light and warmth God has put in your life!
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-19, Carlisle translation)