My younger brother Nathan is the most creative pianist I know. All his practicing (that drove me nuts) as a kid growing up has really paid off. He’s no longer a kid but a godly husband, father, pastor who loves to glorify God with his music. You can find some worshipful (free) mp3’s on his site. He’s also a talented vocalist and has music for purchase as well.

We just finished a great week of Vacation Bible School here at Higgins Lake Baptist Church. We’re praising the Lord for the 69 different children we were privileged to minister to and the 43 helpers who all worked hard to make our week a great success. Thanks to you all for your hard work.

Update: We now have the VBS photos on the church site.

In the consumer oriented culture in which we live, church shopping is all too common. All churches have to live with this problem. Families come and may stay for a year or two but then move on to another church in the community. The people in the church left behind are left wondering what they did wrong–could they have done something to cause these families to leave–could they have done something to prevent it?

Do we really have good reason to leave the church we’re in? Wayne Mack shares a letter written to a friend he’s encouraging to rethink his reason for looking for a different church. He notes a couple of reasons for leaving your church. One being that you find yourselves in a church that is no longer faithfully teaching God’s Word. The other reason being that you believe God would have you be of service to another church that needs your help with something no one else is doing there–and the church you are leaving can fill your role from within. Otherwise, leaving your church is harmful to yourselves, your family and the church you are leaving.

This applies equally to pastors–we pastors don’t help the church by being quick to move on when things are tough. If you are thinking of leaving your church or know someone who is, read Wayne’s piece.

Reading…

Five Leading Reformers: Lives at a Watershed of History
By Christopher Catherwood